Afghan Asylum Bids Anger British
Britain has staked out a tough line against Afghans seeking asylum after a hijacking, but it could be months before a final decision. Afghanistan warned Friday that the hijackers could face death if they returned.
After a standoff ended early Thursday at London’s Stansted Airport, 74 of the freed hostages--almost half--requested asylum. Police have arrested 22 people who will likely face trial in Britain. The rest are still considering their options.
Some British tabloids Friday were incensed over speculation that some of the Afghans might have used the hijacking to win asylum.
“No Entry” proclaimed the Express of London, objecting to the prospective immigrants.
The Sun branded their temporary shelter near Stansted Airport as “the Kabul Hilton.”
“Hi, Jack! Where’s the four-star hotel?” said the Mirror.
“Jack” refers to Home Secretary Jack Straw, who promised to review personally every asylum application and send the hostages home or to another country as soon as possible.
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