A Palestinian student plans to appeal the UK government’s decision to revoke her visa after she spoke at a pro-Palestine march in Manchester. Dana Abuqamar, a former leader of the University of Manchester’s Friends of Palestine Society, is set to appear in a Manchester court for a two-day hearing starting Thursday.
The British government revoked her visa last year on “national security” grounds, claiming she posed a risk to public safety. Abuqamar, who lost 15 relatives in Gaza due to recent conflicts, believes the visa decision was influenced by her speech in Manchester, where she expressed pride following Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
She faced backlash for her remarks, in which she stated, “We are full of pride, we are really, full of joy at what has happened.” Abuqamar later clarified to the BBC that her words were taken out of context, emphasizing that “the death of any innocent civilian should not be condoned ever.”
Abuqamar criticized the Home Office for claiming her presence in the UK threatens national security, asserting that she is merely a 19-year-old student advocating for social justice.
Legal documents revealed that former UK immigration minister Robert Jenrick intervened in her case after her speech. Emails showed that Jenrick asked his private secretary to communicate with the Home Office about revoking Abuqamar’s visa, indicating his interest in her situation.
Abuqamar’s legal team condemned Jenrick’s involvement, arguing that it undermined the established referral process for visa revocation within the Home Office.
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