Thursday, July 29,
1999 Migrants launch hunger strike over
seafood
Jim Beatty and Petti Fong The Vancouver Sun
VICTORIA - Police and immigration officials ordered the immediate
security lockdown of 123 Chinese migrants yesterday after the
refugee claimants launched a hunger strike moments after their lunch
was served.
It appears the majority of the illegal migrants, who arrived on
Canada's shores in a dilapidated boat from China last week, are
protesting the quality of the Chinese food they are being served
while in detention. It includes sauteed calamari and steamed salmon.
Immigration proceedings were postponed for several hours as
officials addressed the tense situation at the compound where the
migrants are being held under tight security near Victoria.
"Numerous individuals refused to eat. We don't know exactly why,"
RCMP Constable Tracey Rook said.
"We are trying to keep the lines of communication open."
Earlier in the day, one migrant who has been identified as one of
the "snakeheads" or "enforcers" involved in the trans-Pacific
shipment of humans, was quickly removed from the compound after he
refused to eat his breakfast.
Const. Rook said he was removed because others were willing to
follow his lead.
The individual was taken to an RCMP office where officials using
a translator discussed the problem with him. Several hours later,
when police were satisfied the dispute had been resolved, the man
was returned to the gymnasium where the refugee claimants are being
held at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.
One legal aid lawyer, Leandre Rupert-Bailey, had interviewed a
large number of the refugees and heard concerns about the food as
well as their general treatment.
"I've heard complaints that the food is cold," she said
yesterday.
In addition to complaints about the food, they have complained
about being strip-searched and find it humiliating being watched by
security officers while they shower and brush their teeth while
naked.
Canadian officials continue to be concerned about the refugee
claimants becoming malnourished, having just spent 39 days crossing
the Pacific Ocean and arriving with sparse food supplies and no
potable water.
Immigration officials were attempting to restart the immigration
hearings aimed at determining whether the claimants would be
released or whether they would continue to be detained.
The Chinese migrants were discovered in a derelict boat off
Vancouver Island on July 20.
Canadian officials say they have made every effort to provide
food that is appropriate to the migrants. All of it has been catered
by Ming's Restaurant, a popular Victoria institution since 1950.
Henry Cho, Ming's owner, said he has served the refugee claimants
a mixed variety of authentic Chinese food.
Lunches and dinners have included
mixed vegetables, steamed rice, fresh fruit, noodles, chicken, beef
and pork as well as sauteed calamari and steamed salmon.
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