COMPO SNUB FOR HOTEL BLOODBATH ASYLUM SEEKERS
ANGUISH CONTINUES FOR VICTIMS OF MASS STABBING Refugees’ charity blasts Home Office over delays
Asylum seekers nearly killed in a mass stabbing have been turned down for compensation for their injuries, a leading charity has claimed.
In June 2020, Badreddin Abadlla Adam, a Sudanese asylum seeker thought to have mental health issues, went on the rampage in the Park Inn hotel where he’d been living.
The 28-year-old stabbed six people, including a cop, which left some victims with serious injuries.
Last week, it was revea led Adam had contacted the Home Office and other groups 70 times.
Now we can reveal claims two victims have been denied compensation by the Criminal Injuries a nd Compensat ion Authority (CICA).
Charity Refugees for Justice, which represents two of the victims, blasted delays on deciding their status and the compensation snub.
The group, led by Dylan Fotoohi, was set up after the attack in Glasgow.
He said: “Some of those stabbed have moved on and don’t like talking about it.
“But the Home Office hasn’t moved on – they are still processing their claims for asylum and as such they remain in limbo. The same goes for criminal injuries.
“They have been the victim of a crime regardless of their status but because they are still considered asylum seekers they are not eligible for compensation for life-changing injuries.That is shameful.”
UK Government rules say asylum seekers do not qualify for CICA payments. Last December, it was revealed two of the victims launched legal action against the Home Of f ice and Mears, which is contracted to provide asylum housing. One of the men, who reportedly warned hotel staff about Adam’s behaviour, lost his spleen to injuries from the attack.
British citizens can get anything upwards of £1000 for minor stabbing injuries through CICA but surgery requiring major repair of organs caused by kni fe wounds sees payments rise to £ 3500.
Sheroy Zaq, of Duncan Lewis solicitors representing the pair, said the case was due in court in June.
Refugee body the Scottish Refugee Council said it was unacceptable the Home Office had still not made a decision on the asylum status of people caught up in the Park Inn horror.
Gary Christie, of Scottish Refugee Council, said: “Leaving vulnerable men, women and children waiting for years on end for news of their fate is unjust.”
The Home Office said: “The asylum system has been under mounting pressure for several years. Increased and sustained intake and a growing number of people awaiting a decision have led to delays in concluding asylum claims.”
The Ministry of Justice, which runs CICA, added: “Anyone granted residency in the UK is eligible to claim compensation.”