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DON'T SEND US TO DEATH
A FAMILY fighting deportation from South Shields today begged immigration chiefs: "Don't send us back to die."
The Reyes-Prado family are currently being held at a deportation camp in Scotland, and are due to be sent back to their native Colombia on Monday morning.
Both the family and campaigners, including friends they have made during their three years in the town, are hoping the flight can be cancelled.
Jhon Reyes-Prado fled Colombia in October 2000 with wife Mary, 29, and their three children after his life was threatened by paramilitaries who had already killed his brother.
The 32-year-old told the Gazette yesterday: "I don't want any benefits. I just want the right to live for me and my family.
"Colombia is good. It is our home. The only problem is what these people did to my brother and what they might do to me."
But the family's application for asylum in the UK has been turned down by the Home Office, which believes they can safely return to another part of their homeland.
Mr Reyes-Prado said that although the family would like to return, he is concerned the authorities will not be able to protect them.
Eldest son Johann, 13, a pupil at St Wilfrid's RC Comprehensive in South Shields, said he is also fearful of going back.
"I'm afraid that if we go back that my father will get killed. We will have to be hiding all the time."
Solicitors are working with the National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns in a bid to keep the family in the UK.
A previous deportation date of January 29 was delayed after the solicitor representing the family applied for a judicial review.
They have been held for a month at Dungavel House, near Glasgow, which has been the target of protests by human rights campaigners.
South Shields MP David Miliband has met with campaigners and written to Immigration Minister Beverley Hughes about the case.
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Weather for South Shields
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
