Fifteen anti-deportation activists are facing potentially lengthy sentences when they go on trial on Monday charged with terrorism offences for blocking the takeoff of an immigration removal flight at Stansted airport in Essex. “Many critics have argued that like Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’, these deportations are unjust and racist,” the letter says. “The Stansted action was the first time a deportation flight has been grounded in the UK by people protesting against the immigration system. A CPS spokesperson said the decision was very likely to have been taken during a routine review of the case. Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, criticised the “unjustified and draconian” use of terrorism laws.

Source: The Guardian March 16, 2018 14:48 UTC