St John's behind Azim
St John's JCR has hit out at perceived allegations it has been insufficiently supportive of member Azim Ansari, who faces deportation by the Home Office.
In a strongly-worded letter to OUSU Access and Academic Affairs Officer Linsey Cole, Anthony Myers, President of the JCR, complained: "The impression, particularly in the student press, is that St John's isn't doing anything to help Azim Ansari and his brother in their case to stay in the UK."
He claimed the SCR has given considerable assistance to Azim both in public and in private.
In addition, Myers said: "Having discussed this case in Joint Council (JCR-MCR-SCR meeting), I know that they are very active on this issue and have not resigned themselves to their deportation, as has been reported."
The JCR and MCR have so far passed motions in support of Ansari and collected petitions. Ideas for future action include a peaceful demonstration during the visit of the immigration minister Des Browne MP, who is due to speak in a debate on ID cards at the Oxford Union on the 17th February.
Myers also said he and his MCR colleagues would be interested in any ideas or efforts originating from outside the college, such as the OUSU-sponsored campaign, 'Keep Azim in Oxford'.
When contacted by The Oxford Student, Myers would not specify where he felt allegations against St John's had appeared in the student press, nor would he comment specifically on what he would be doing to help the Keep Azim in Oxford campaign.
President of St John's, Michael Scholar, strongly defended the actions of his college, its staff and officers. He said: "St John's has been supporting Azim strongly throughout, including financially. We will continue to support him in any way we can.
"I have written to the Home Office, as has the College's Equality Officer. If he has to leave this country - which I very much hope he will not have to do - it will not be through any fault or omission of St John's."
A spokesperson for the University told The Oxford Student: "We are unfortunately unable to comment further on this matter as it is a Home Office decision and subsequently out of our hands."
3rd Feb 2005