Former UK immigration minister, Robert Jenrick, intervened in the case of Palestinian student Dana Abu Qamar, whose visa was revoked after speaking in support of Palestine. Legal documents show Jenrick instructed his private secretary to contact the Home Office about Abu Qamar, leading to the visa revocation.
Abu Qamar, a law student at the University of Manchester, had her visa revoked on “national security” grounds. She believes it was due to her speech highlighting Palestinian resistance to Israel and subsequent comments in an interview. Now appealing the decision, she criticizes Jenrick’s involvement as unjust and an attempt to suppress her rights.
The European Legal Support Centre (ELSC) supporting Abu Qamar expressed concern that Jenrick’s intervention could set a precedent for international students supportive of Palestine. Despite claims of protecting freedom of expression, Jenrick’s actions are seen as suppressing speech for political motives.
With Home Secretary Yvette Cooper set to review the visa revocation decision, the case raises questions about freedom of speech and political interference in immigration matters.
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