DCU Students Share Petition To Save Fellow Student From Deportation
Dublin City University (DCU) Students' Union are encouraging thousands of students to save Shepherd Machaya, a second-year of Management of Information Technology and Information systems student, from deportation.
Machaya moved to Ireland from Zimbabwe and began studying in DCU under the Unversity of Sanctuary scheme, which grants scholarships to refugees.
The union has written an open letter to Minister for Justice Charles Flanagan to stop Shepherd's deportation happening in the coming days. The native has just four days to reverse the deportation order which officially begins on the 21st of October.
According to the letter, Shepherd was tortured by political groups in Zimbabwe and fled the country after refusing to join them. If Shepherd returns his life will be in imminent danger.
The letter, shared on social media, was signed by the DCU Student Union President, Welfare and Equality Officer, Education and Placement Officer, the Academic Affairs Officer and the Engagement & Development Officer.
The petition is searching for 7,500 signatures and already 6,500 people have signed. To sign the petition click here.