Details emerge of Iraqi migrant with diphtheria who died after being held in UK asylum center

Hussein Haseeb Ahmed died after being held at the Manston processing center in Kent. (File/AFP)
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Updated 05 December 2022
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Details emerge of Iraqi migrant with diphtheria who died after being held in UK asylum center

  • Hussein Haseeb Ahmed had tested positive for the disease but the cause of death has not yet been established
  • An investigation into death of the 31-year-old Iraqi national has been postponed until May 30 next year

LONDON: A migrant who died last month after being held at an asylum-processing center in Kent has been identified as Hussein Haseeb Ahmed, a 31-year old from Iraq, the BBC reported on Monday.

He arrived in the UK on a small boat on Nov. 12 but took ill soon after and died seven days later at a hospital in Margate. Although the Home Office initially said there was no evidence that he died as a result of an infectious disease, subsequent tests confirmed he had diphtheria.

An initial investigation into Ahmed’s death revealed that he was taken to the hospital’s emergency department on Nov. 14 as he was unable to eat or drink and found swallowing to be painful. He was discharged following treatment and taken back to the Manston processing center.

However, he was admitted to the hospital on Nov. 19 suffering from increasing shortness of breath, a fever and drowsiness. Blood tests revealed he was experiencing multiple organ failures, the BBC reported.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the migrant, who was of Kurdish origin, died of diphtheria, which is a highly infectious disease.

A full investigation into his death has been postponed until May 30, when a pre-inquest review is scheduled to take place.

 


Syrian and US officials discuss reopening of embassy in Washington, disposal of chemical weapons

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Syrian and US officials discuss reopening of embassy in Washington, disposal of chemical weapons

  • US Special Envoy Tom Barrack highlights interest among major American companies in investment opportunities in Syria’s oil and energy sectors

LONDON: Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, and the US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, on Wednesday discussed the steps required to reopen the Syrian embassy in Washington, D.C.

They also talked about the establishment of an international committee to ensure transparency in the process to eliminate the chemical weapons under Syrian supervision, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

During their meeting in Damascus they addressed a number of strategic issues with the aim of promoting a new phase of bilateral cooperation, and reaffirmed a strong shared commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria.

Al-Shaibani and Barrack reviewed the steps being taken to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions following a ceasefire agreement and the deployment of government forces in northeastern Syria last month.

Both officials emphasized the importance of support for Syria in its efforts to battle Daesh and enhance its role as a key partner in regional security, the news agency said.

Barrack also highlighted the interest among major American companies in investment opportunities in Syria’s oil and energy sectors.