A demonstration is taking place today to raise awareness of the plight of 21-year-old Osime Brown who faces deportation back to Jamaica – a country he hasn’t been to since he was four.
Hysteria and the Aberdeen University Student Association Disability Forum have organised for four speakers to take centre stage at Aberdeen’s Castlegate from 12pm.
Organisers have also asked that those in attendance, and any who want to get involved, write a letter to their local MP supporting his appeal.
The 21-year-old who has lived in Dudley since the age of four suffers from severe autism and has faced the prospect of deportation since August 2018 – on the basis of criminal offences he committed as a teenager.
Serving a five-year sentence for robbery, attempted robbery and perverting the course of justice, his deportation was set for December 3 until a last-minute appeal.
His family have previously spoken out about the distressing impact deportation will have on him, citing his lack of family and support in Jamaica.
Similar protests took place opposite the Home Office and in Glasgow earlier this month, along with a petition on change.org that has over 44,000 signatures.
One of the Aberdeen event’s organisers, Mae Diansangu, said: “I think this has been a case that has gone quite under the radar.
“It has been going on for months and hopefully this demonstration can bring more attention his struggle.
“With the information that we have to hand, and seeing that there hasn’t been a spike in cases since the protests that took place in June, everyone will be wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, we feel this can be conducted safety.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman added: “While respecting individuals right to protest, given the ongoing pandemic situation and tightening of restrictions announced by the First Minister, we hope that any attendees continue to take full personal responsibility for adhering to all Scottish Government guidance, for the greater good and health of the nation.”
