02:32Germany: Refugee to stay up tree till death, for dignity
Germany: Refugee to stay up tree till death, for dignity
A 25 year old Sudanese asylum seeker, Napuli Langa, has taken to the treetops of Berlin’s hip Kreuzberg neighbourhood to expose how Germany treats refugees and asylum seekers, and continues to live amidst the branches, Thursday.
From 2012 until Tuesday, Oranienplatz had been occupied by over 200 refugees and asylum seekers, who had built an encampment and demanded the right to be assessed for asylum by German authorities. However, following negotiations led by the SPD's Dilek Kolat, a semi-voluntary eviction has taken place that has left only Napuli in Oranienplatz, facing down Berlin’s police and political establishment.
She has vowed to expose how Germany treats those from outside of Europe and the "colonial" methods it employs to treat those from Africa. Langa's political commitments could cost her life, which she says she is "happy" to face, because standing up for her rights is more important than a life without the right to work and dignity.
After the interview took place, a demonstration in support of Langa came through the square. As groups of young Berliners met with activists and hunger strikers, chants in support of freedom of movement spread. As police contained the demonstration, a lone activist scaled the fence surrounding Langa, providing her with enough food for the next three days. He was detained by the police for his efforts.
02:32Germany: Refugee to stay up tree till death, for dignity
A 25 year old Sudanese asylum seeker, Napuli Langa, has taken to the treetops of Berlin’s hip Kreuzberg neighbourhood to expose how Germany treats refugees and asylum seekers, and continues to live amidst the branches, Thursday.
From 2012 until Tuesday, Oranienplatz had been occupied by over 200 refugees and asylum seekers, who had built an encampment and demanded the right to be assessed for asylum by German authorities. However, following negotiations led by the SPD's Dilek Kolat, a semi-voluntary eviction has taken place that has left only Napuli in Oranienplatz, facing down Berlin’s police and political establishment.
She has vowed to expose how Germany treats those from outside of Europe and the "colonial" methods it employs to treat those from Africa. Langa's political commitments could cost her life, which she says she is "happy" to face, because standing up for her rights is more important than a life without the right to work and dignity.
After the interview took place, a demonstration in support of Langa came through the square. As groups of young Berliners met with activists and hunger strikers, chants in support of freedom of movement spread. As police contained the demonstration, a lone activist scaled the fence surrounding Langa, providing her with enough food for the next three days. He was detained by the police for his efforts.