Detention
How does it feel to be locked up for claiming asylum?
The use of detention as a tool to regulate unwanted migration is on the increase in Europe. Detention is used at all stages of the asylum procedure and has become instrumental in attempts to enforce return. The maximum duration of detention provided for by national legislation varies considerably among EU Member States from 32 days in France to 18 months in Malta.Hadish fled Eritrea after being imprisoned for campaigning for a democratic constitution. He crossed the Mediterranean sea when he failed to find protection in neighbouring African countries and was detained on arrival in Malta. 
Cecilia is 29 and fled Sudan in 1995 after witnessing the murder of her family. She is living without status in Belgium and is terrified of being sent back to Sudan.
Barry fled political persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo and claimed asylum in Belgium. When his application was refused he was detained with his wife and small baby.
In his late fifties, Solomon escaped political imprisonment in Ethiopia 13 years ago. He eventually found himself in Malta, where he was detained for eight months and has since been denied refugee status.
