Innocent Empi 1971 - Tuesday 30th August 2011
"Freemovement' announce with deepest sorrow, the passing of Innocent Empi in London, on Tuesday 30th August 20011, it is understood he died from a heart attack.
Innocent was an inspiration to the Anti-Deportation movement from the moment he arrived in the UK in 2005. Constantly organizing against UKBA for others and himself, day in day out, he was always available on the phone for advice and help 7/24/365.
Obituray: Innocent Empi a wonderful, kind, courageous man
As a human rights activist in Democratic Republic of Congo, Innocent Empi eventually had to flee for his life. He was deeply traumatised when he arrived in Britain, but taking barely sufficient time to recover from physical and psychological scars of torture; he began his struggle for safety.
The Congolese community in exile had lost hope that their pleas for asylum would be listened to. Many had no access to legal representation, and more had been duped into paying money they could not afford, to unscrupulous legal representatives who claimed money for work they didn't do, or claimed expertise in an area they knew nothing about, in order to line their pockets at the expense of some of the most vulnerable people in this society. And for those who managed to find genuine legal representation, having overcome the trauma of telling their stories, more often than not, they were accused of lying by unconcerned Home Office representatives. Word spread that Innocent could be trusted, and understood the unspeakable atrocities people had experienced."
Along with other Congolese, Innocent founded the Congo Support Project. He worked tirelessly, battling with indifference and prejudice, succeeding in representing DRC exiles, to gain safety through asylum.
Innocent wasn't always successful in protecting the vulnerable. It grieved him when people were forcibly returned to the DRC, having had case notes and documentation on their failed asylum claim placed into the hands of DRC police, by British Home Office officials. Some did not emerge from the airport, and more, on release, disappeared from their families without trace.
He dreamed of returning home, though he knew it was unlikely that he would ever be able to do so, having taken such a high profile in challenging the corruption of the Democratic Republic of Congo's government.
Innocent was able to bring people together from across the Congolese Community, faith groups, political activists and human rights workers. His integrity,, commitment and humour, enabled him to engage others in support for the Congolese community in exile.
It was only when he was given leave to remain, that Innocent was able to earn any money to support his family. Even then, they lived hand to mouth, while he worked tirelessly for those who had not yet reached safety. Innocent rarely rested, though he longed to. His young family hoped for a time when they could rest and grow together. It never happened. His wife will give birth in a few weeks time.
Family & Friends of Innocent Empi
Thursday 1st September 2011
I am writing to express my deep, deep condolences to all those who knew Mr Innocent Empi who was a wonderful, kind, courageous man who truly devoted his life to supporting others fighting for justice in this cruel world.
He was an inspiration and my thoughts go to his family and friends. We all have lost a rare human being whose life has been cut short so tragically.
Innocent lived in my house for a year and I could observe his energy, commitment, courage and kindness. I saw him only last week and he seemed so full of fun and purpose.
The world is poorer for his passing, a champion of freedom and a dear man. My sincere condolences to his family. If there is anything to be done in terms of support please let me know.
Regards Anne Drinkell
I think Innocent was a remarkable person, working tirelessly for his fellow Congolese. I think he was really inspiring and didn't let go of the fight once he'd got his leave to remain. I wish there were more like him in this world. I wish I'd known him better. - PW.
Innocent Empi on gaining refugee status
I have been given full refugee status. Thanks, from the depths of my heart, for everybody who has supported my campaign to stay in Britain and who have brought their skills and knowledge to help and succeed. I am happy that I have safety now, but my thoughts are with so many good people who deserve safety as much as I do, who are still being criminalised and scapegoated in this country.
I am also thinking of people I left behind in the Congo, who I love, who I have lost, who's safety I fear for, and who only ask for the right to live in peace, free from fear with their loved ones. I can never be at ease while they are in danger.
I do not want to sound ungrateful, but the same government who has given me asylum, significantly contributes to maintaining the horrors from which I and my fellow Congolese fled. So I have mixed feelings right now. I am happy, and heartbroken at the same time. I want to thank you for your support over these years. I could not have survived without the support of so many of you. You know I will continue the struggle. I know you will remain with me in the struggle. And of course, the struggle continues.
Innocent Empi - Tuesday 25th September 2007
The right to stay: Interview with Innocent Empi
On 7 February, hundreds marched through the streets of Manchester to oppose deportations of refused asylum seekers to the troubled Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here, Mule caught up with the inspirational Congo Support Project founder Innocent Empi, who won his own battle against deportation after a long campaign and has subsequently devoted his energies to helping other Congolese asylum seekers do the same.
Read the full article: Manchester Mule, February 2009
Innocent Empi, 36: 'I know I would be killed if I were sent back'
Innocent Empi bears physical and mental scars from the appalling brutality that has gripped the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for decades.
Mr Empi said: "I know I would be killed if I was sent back - I would prefer to take my own life here rather than that."
Innocent, 36, fell foul of the authorities as a student because of his opposition to the government. He was lucky to escape with his life when soldiers broke up a protest. "I was put in a cell without windows. The room was meant for two or three people, but there were 12 in there. The guards beat us three times a day," he said.
Nigel Morris and Ben Russell, Independent Friday 13th July 2007 |