Lydia Besong, playwright and a Cameroon national, and her husband Bernard Batey have had their appeal against the Home Office's decision to refuse them asylum turned down. Their solicitor is now seeking leave to appeal to the High Court.

In Cameroon, both Lydia and Bernard were tortured, suffering beatings and imprisonment as a result of their involvement with the SCNC and Lydia was raped by a uniformed guard. The SCNC [Southern Cameroon National Council] is a peaceful organisation that is fighting for the for the rights of the English-speaking minority of Southern Cameroon. Lydia and Bernard have been living in the UK since 2006. 

In December 2009, Lydia was held in detention and she and Bernard were both due to be deported. Thanks to a massive effort by campaigners, including new evidence that has been brought to light by people made aware of their situation, Lydia was released and reunited with Bernard and their fresh claim continued.

Following another refusal Lydia and Bernard need all the support they can get to keep their campaign running and to give it a new lease of energy!

LYDIA IS A MEMBER OF WAST (WOMEN ASYLUM SEEKERS TOGTHER), AND AUTHOR OF THE PLAY 'HOW I BECAME AN ASYLUM SEEKER'

What you can do 

Sign the petition at: www.ipetitions.com/petition/lydia_and_bernard/

Come to the solidarity evening on June 10th in Bury