On 18 November 2017, Stop Detention Scotland organised a protest outside Dungavel Detention Centre. To demand it is closed. To demand an end to the injustice, racism and abuse of migrants in Scotland and the UK. In solidarity with the unnamed Chinese man who died inside DUngavel this year and the four others this year in the UK.
Over 200 people gathered, waving flags and banners. Chanting together against the centre and in support of people detained inside. With a loudspeaker and a phone we spoke to people detained, their voices amplified and listened to, "I WANT TO SEE WHAT THERESA MAY WOULD DO IF SHE WAS LOCKED IN HERE?!" asked one caller.
We waved and cheered over the fence, as people inside Dungavel did the same. Someone inside pinned a sign, written on a piece of paper, against the window of their cell, "I LOVE U ALL."
Messages came flooding into our phone number that we broadcast to people detained inside Dungavel and beyond. We received messages of anger, frustration and loneliness. We received messages of defiance, will to fight the system and strength. Word spread, and we quickly started receiving messages from other detention centres in the UK. These were all read out over the loud speaker.
SDS will continue to protest, continue to hold public meetings where people can come together to discuss how to end detention and work in solidarity with those detained. Please watch this space for future updates!
We Will Be Back.
Those Detained and hidden behind high fences will not be forgotten.
Nobody is Free Until We Are All Free!