Iranians Who Sewed Their Lips Shut in Northern France End Their Hunger Strike

Nine Iranian refugees who sewed their lips shut in a refugee camp in Calais, France, ended their hunger strike by unsewing their lips. These nine Iranians had been on hunger strike since March 1, 2016, shortly after the French government began demolishing parts of their camp in Calais. According to a statement read by their lawyer, Orsan Berouasn, the decision to end the hunger strike and open their mouths was made in respect for those who requested it. The nine Iranians also stated that their recent decision was to show 'their trust in the intentions of the French government to protect themselves and improve the living conditions of the residents of the northern part of the camp.' These Iranians are part of hundreds of illegal refugees and migrants living in a camp known as 'The Jungle' on the northern French coast, who wish to reach the UK. The French government had demolished parts of the southern section of this camp last winter but has recently promised to improve the living conditions of the residents in the northern part in cooperation with NGOs. The Iranians who sewed their lips shut referred to this decision by the French government as a 'victory' for themselves. Europe witnessed the illegal entry of over a million migrants from Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa last year, most of whom aim to reach wealthy countries in the continent such as Germany, the UK, and Sweden.