Asylum seekers: – We are treated like animals – VG

KIRKENES (VG) They arrested asylum seekers in Kirkenes freezes at night and do not understand why they are being checked by guards, telling NOAS adviser, who also fear for their future in Russia.

Just before 16:30 Friday tried between five and ten asylum seekers to make contact with the press. About 30 meters from the gate that marks the area where the press is not allowed to move, however, they were stopped by police. The journalists and the asylum seekers were therefore standing and shouting a bit.

BACKGROUND : All asylum seekers in Kirkenes center arrested

– We are treated like animals! Where are human rights? shouted one of the men, who also had said that he was Syrian.

Asked whether they’ve got a lawyer, the man replied no.

Freezer every night

Counselor in Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) Marek Linha has been built with asylum seekers both Thursday and Friday to talk to those who want it.

– They say that it is very cold, and they therefore have trouble sleeping at night, says Linha.

It seems Heros reception center in Kirkenes Kent Richard Fritzøe sound strange.

– I can imagine that there are around 20 degrees in the barracks. We have inserted several heaters, he said.

NOAS-advisor: – The situation is serious

Linha NOAS also states that asylum seekers are regularly checked by guards.

– The guards come in at night, and those who live here are wondering why, he said.

Fritzøe confirms that both Hero, police and local security company Norvakt runs frequent fire rounds and stresses that this is for the asylum seekers’ personal safety.

Ahmed Russia : – I have given up

NOAS counselor describes the situation of the detained asylum seekers as serious.

– The cases are not merits. There are many who are without permanent residence in Russia, and who have received visas under false pretenses. This means inter alia that they have to pay fines in order to progress in the Russian system.

Linha also stresses that the type of “asylum” that several of them have been in Russia, can not be understood as an asylum in Norwegian sense.

– It is a form of temporary residence permit, which must be renewed. This temporary permit gives them no rights under the Refugee Convention. It means they will not receive housing nor any integration package, explaining Linha.