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Iraqis claim abuse and assault after failed deportation
Allegations of assault, racist taunts and operational chaos have emerged from Iraqi asylum seekers the British Home Office attempted to deport to Baghdad.
Three of the men put on the UK Border Agency's (UKBA) first flight to the Iraqi capital last week have told the Guardian they were beaten by British security guards and that no Arabic translator accompanied them.
The commander of Baghdad airport was reportedly so infuriated by the unexpected arrival of the chartered plane on Thursday that he threatened to set fire to the aircraft if it did not leave within two hours. Details of the operation–involving as many as 100 private guards and about 40 failed Iraqi asylum seekers–suggest the secret expulsions degenerated into a humiliating retreat.