Refugees chant ‘no more South Africa’ during court appearance
The first batch of asylum seekers chanted “no more South Africa” and “South Africa xenophobia” as they were escorted out of court on Monday morning.
One hundred and eighty-three asylum seekers appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court after they were arrested for trespassing at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday.
#Refugees Suspects chant "no more South Africa. South Africa xenophobia," as they leave court. pic.twitter.com/9Q3xEqnSv9
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 18, 2019
The refugees have been camping outside the UNHCR offices since October, demanding they be taken back to their countries of birth after the spate of xenophobic attacks.
However, the high court in Pretoria High ruled that they had to vacate the premises.
The removal subsequently resulted in police clashing with the refugees outside the UNHCR.
Twenty four police officers were injured during the clashes which saw dozens of foreign nationals arrested.
#Refugees Of the first batch of suspects, one opts for the services of the state ie Legal Aid. The rest say that they'll bring in their own legal representatives.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 18, 2019
#Refugees Non of the accused from the second batch want any aid from the state. All of them say they will be bringing in their own counsel. The matter has been postponed to 22 November 2019. Bail for the accused will not be granted.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 18, 2019