The truth about Michael Essouma, the alleged Cameroon asylum seeker who died by suicide on the Bibby Stockholm barge.
Tragic Death Prompts Police Response:
On Tuesday, authorities were notified of a death aboard the Bibby Stockholm, the residence for those awaiting asylum application results.
The circumstances point to a suspected suicide.
Misidentification Raises Apologies from Advocates:
Immigration lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie initially identified the deceased as Mickael Essouma, a Cameroonian doctor.
A group supporting asylum seekers echoed this claim. However, the Cameroon Embassy later confirmed Essouma’s well-being, revealing a misidentification.
The tragic death of a man on the Bibby Stockholm barge underscores the cruelty and hostility of the Tory Government's policy towards people seeking asylum from war and persecution.
A system designed to strip people of all hope and humanity is beneath us.pic.twitter.com/kR04EW99uX
— Paul Sweeney (@PaulJSweeney) December 12, 2023
Clarification and Apologies from Advocates:
McKenzie issued an apology, stating, “The Cameroon Embassy confirms that Mickael #Essouma is alive & on the Bibby Stockholm. Support workers say that he was heard screaming & calling for help, so thought it was him who had died. I apologize for any distress caused.”
Heather Joans of the Portland Global Friendship group also apologized, acknowledging the error in naming Essouma as the deceased asylum seeker.
She highlighted the emotional struggles on the barge and the need for more appropriate housing.
Home Secretary Addresses Tragedy in the House of Commons:
Home Secretary James Cleverly, speaking in the House of Commons, acknowledged the tragic death on the Bibby Stockholm barge.
He expressed his condolences and emphasized the ongoing investigation, refraining from providing further details at this stage.
Latest Developments: Misidentification Leads to Apologies:
Support workers and advocacy groups have issued apologies after erroneously naming the deceased individual on the Bibby Stockholm barge.
Immigration lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie and the Portland Global Friendship group mistakenly identified the man as Mickael Essouma, a Cameroonian doctor, who is confirmed to be alive by the Cameroon Embassy.
Both McKenzie and Heather Joans expressed remorse for the confusion and acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals on the barge.
Home Secretary James Cleverly addressed the tragedy in the House of Commons, expressing condolences and assuring a thorough investigation.
The incident highlights the emotional struggles faced by those housed on the Bibby Stockholm, raising concerns about the appropriateness of the living conditions.
The investigation into the actual circumstances of the death continues.
