‘Asylum seekers feel hunted amid scenes of hate on UK streets’ as protests go on
Asylum seekers in hotels say the feel ‘hunted’ as more protests planned
- Asylum seekers housed in UK hotels report feeling "hunted" and "afraid to go outside" due to ongoing protests, with charities highlighting the psychological impact of "hate and intimidation".
- An Afghan man, Daastan, shared his experience of feeling "very depressed" and unwanted after nearly two years in a hotel, with his asylum application stuck in a lengthy appeal process.
- Charities like Refugee Council and Freedom from Torture condemn the protests, stating that dehumanising rhetoric creates a climate for violence and that valid concerns about hotel use are being exploited by a "violent minority".
- Multiple demonstrations outside hotels are anticipated in the coming days, with Stand Up To Racism planning counter-protests.
- Women's organisations have warned that genuine concerns about women's safety are being "hijacked by an anti-migrant agenda", which they argue fuels division and reinforces damaging myths about sexual violence.