Latest news with #Nabil
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Every human being deserves dignity': asylum seeker in Essex hotel calls for understanding
Asylum seekers housed in an Essex hotel that has been the target of protests and far-right incitement for two weeks have told the Guardian how the Bell hotel, where they had previously felt safe, has been transformed since demonstrations began. In a letter sent to the Guardian one of the men living in the hotel, Nabil, who said he had previously been attacked while out walking, called to be treated with 'understanding and fairness' and for people not to resort to harmful stereotypes. Nabil's name has been changed. Here is the letter, which was written in Arabic and translated by the author using Google Translate, in full: Warm greetings, I am writing to you from a deeply human perspective, hoping to share a point of view that is often overlooked in public discourse and media coverage about refugees. We, as refugees, are frequently labeled with harmful stereotypes – that we came only for benefits, that we live off taxpayers, or that we are uneducated or disrespectful. These assumptions hurt us, hinder our integration, and most importantly, do not reflect the truth. I want to be honest: yes, there are some refugees who do not behave respectfully or who do not follow the rules of the host society. But those individuals do not represent all of us. As with any group of people, there are both good and bad – and it is unfair to judge the majority by the actions of a few. I did not come here seeking wealth or running from poverty. In fact, I had a stable life back in my country, Yemen. I had a job, a house, a car, and everything I needed to live with dignity. What forced me to leave was not economic hardship, but persecution and fear for my safety and the safety of my family. We refugees are not here to take advantage of the system. We are here to rebuild our lives, to work, and to contribute. We will pay taxes like anyone else, not to 'drain the system', but because we believe that mutual respect and responsibility are the foundation of any strong and united society. This letter is not a plea for sympathy, but a call for understanding and fairness. I believe the media plays a vital role in breaking down stereotypes and presenting the truth. I hope you can be a voice for fairness and show the world that every refugee has a story – and every human being deserves dignity. With sincere appreciation, Nabil From Yemen
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Before, I felt safe and the locals were nice': asylum seekers on how Epping protests have transformed daily life
Asylum seekers living in the Essex hotel that has become a target of protests and far-right incitement have said they fear for their lives after being attacked on the streets and, in some cases, needing medical treatment afterwards. The situation for men living in the Bell hotel, where they had previously felt safe, has been transformed since the protests began, according to another asylum seeker who was filmed being chased down the street by men involved in the demonstrations. Speaking near the hotel in Epping, an asylum seeker who had fled war in his home country of Yemen said injuries on his face had been caused when six men attacked him while he was out walking. 'They were in two cars and they were ready. They were waiting for us,' said Nabil*. As he spoke, abuse was shouted from a car driving past. A friend who was with him, Jibreel*, from Kuwait, said those in the hotel were being confined to their rooms during the protests, which are now happening during the week and at the weekends. 'It's not safe for us here and we know this,' he said. 'We're here in the UK for different reasons – in my case it's because of politics and persecution in my home – but we just want to be able to live, to study and do something here. He said he had crossed the Channel in a small boat from France, arriving with the body of a friend who had drowned en route. Police have made 18 arrests and charged seven people in connection with the demonstrations, which have drawn hundreds, including local people as well as far-right activists. The gatherings began after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault, although the far right has targeted the hotel for years. Asylum seekers living in the hotel have told the Guardian they want it to close as they no longer feel safe there. Abdi*, an asylum seeker from east Africa who was chased down the street by some protesters outside the hotel, said he had been unable to sleep since the attack. 'I don't speak good English but I knew some of the swearwords they were shouting at me, like 'motherfucker'. I have been living in the hotel since April and before the protesters arrived I felt safe here and we had no problem at all with the local residents, who were nice to us. 'But when I was chased I felt as if I was running for my life. I am sure it was a racist attack because I am black and the people pursuing me were white and I had done nothing to them. I hadn't broken the law, I make sure I never even drop litter. I was just walking along carrying some shopping. 'But now I feel that some of the protesters want to get people like me. I experienced bad things in my country but here I can't even ask those people who attacked me why they attacked me, because my English is not good. 'I didn't come to this country to cause harm to anyone, just to feel safe. If the police were not here, I don't know what we would do. They are the only thing standing between us and some of the protesters attacking us. Before we used to leave the hotel individually but now we leave in bigger groups for protection.' The protests show no sign of easing, and a major police operation is planned for this Sunday. Counter-demonstrators from Stand Up to Racism are also planning to gather in Epping. The protests are being promoted on Facebook groups, while misinformation is being shared and amplified on X. One Facebook group – Epping Says No! – has administrators from the far-right Homeland party. Asylum seekers in hotels in other areas of the country were watching the protests anxiously and said they were fearful too. However, several of them had signed an open letter, coordinated by the charity Care4Calais, addressed to 'our brothers and sisters in Epping and others in asylum accommodation'. It states: 'We thought we were safe in the UK but now we are afraid again. Let's not allow fear to divide us. Let's keep supporting one another.' Addressing the British public, it says: 'Some of you have shown us great kindness and we will never forget it. Please keep standing up against hate.' Appealing to the UK government, it says: 'While we wait [for our asylum decisions] protect us, respect us and treat us with dignity.' Research shared with the Guardian by the refugee theatre group Phosphoros Theatre found that, of 37 young asylum seekers surveyed, 49% felt mentally affected by last year's riots one year on, and 69% felt loneliness. * Names have been changed
El Chorouk
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- El Chorouk
An Expected Decline in the Prices of Imported Used Cars
The market for new and used cars imported from abroad is experiencing an intense anticipation, awaiting the implementation of a new mechanism for calculating customs duties by Algerian customs authorities. This mechanism relies on the adoption of purchase invoices from the importing country rather than European reference prices. This measure is likely to cause an 'aftershock' in prices, according to observers and experts in the field. As is well known, the General Directorate of Customs adopted a price reference list for European cars and those originating from outside Europe, such as China. This will be the basis for calculating customs duties applied to both new and used imported vehicles, due to the presence of similar models from European brands manufactured in China, which naturally entail significant price differences. Observers confirm that the new measure will automatically significantly reduce customs duties imposed on imported cars, especially those from China, whose prices are significantly lower than their European counterparts. This will open the door to a significant decline in the prices of these vehicles in the Algerian market and provide citizens with a greater opportunity to purchase cars at reasonable prices. In this context, automotive journalist Nabil Meghiref believes that while the new measures are pending confirmation and actual implementation, they are good news for Algerian citizens intending to purchase a new or used car. Nabil told Echorouk that the new measure allows for a review of the effects of customs duties on cars imported from all countries around the world. However, the real benefits accrue to cars coming from China, given their very low prices compared to their European counterparts, despite bearing the same international brands. Meghrif explained that most international companies have factories in China that produce the same models intended for the European market, but at much lower prices, which will directly impact the purchasing power of Algerian citizens. 'The measure was adopted by competent bodies of the Algerian state and is part of a well-thought-out economic approach aimed at relieving pressure on citizens without affecting the public treasury. Imports, whether direct or individual, are a temporary solution until manufacturing projects are implemented,' he added. Meghiref asserted that 'according to a study we conducted, the price of a car when imported from China, after taking into account all transportation costs and fees, arrives at the port of Algiers at a price almost identical to that offered by dealers, or perhaps even lower. This is a positive indicator of the effectiveness of the new mechanism.' Citing a concrete example of the Skoda Karoq, which was previously subject to customs duties of up to DZD 66774337.40 (180 million centimes) as a new vehicle. Under the new mechanism, the duty has now been reduced to only DZD 40064602,44 (108 million centimes), representing a reduction of DZD 26709734,96 (approximately 72 centimes). If the used car is less than three years old, the customs duty reduction is estimated at DZD 14838741,65 (40 million centimes) compared to the previous value. These figures confirm the extent of the anticipated improvement in the car market. Maghiref also emphasised that car prices in China are very reasonable, noting that the Skoda Karoq, for example, is sold for €22,000 in Europe, while the same model manufactured in China costs no more than $14,000. This represents a significant difference that benefits Algerian consumers. The spokesman concluded by confirming that this measure will open the door to sorting between serious and non-serious dealers, adding that 'the process will filter the market and give preference to credible dealers, especially those looking to import world-class cars from China, whether local or international brands manufactured there.' For his part, economic and financial expert Nabil Djemaa confirmed to Echorouk that reviewing the mechanism for calculating customs duties based on the importing country's invoices, rather than the European reference prices, is a positive step toward greater flexibility in customs transactions and contributes to alleviating the financial burden on citizens, especially those wishing to import cars at reasonable prices. Djemaa explained that this decision is consistent with previous statements by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who reiterated that 'the citizen is a red line,' making these measures a practical extension of the state's vision to support purchasing power. He added that the expected reductions in customs duties will enable a wide range of citizens to purchase used cars at lower costs, especially those coming from countries with lower prices, such as China, the Middle East, and the United States. While welcoming the measure, the economic expert stressed the need for customs authorities to be vigilant to avoid any potential manipulation of invoices or inflated discount rates. He recalled that the success of this step depends on strict oversight and close monitoring of the invoices declared upon import. Djemaa pointed out that adopting original invoices from the importing country will enhance supply diversity and curb inflated prices in the local market. However, he cautioned that car prices will remain linked to other factors, such as shipping costs, the exchange rate of the dinar against foreign currencies, especially the Chinese yuan, and the laws of supply and demand. He concluded by saying that the new measure will gradually restore confidence in the used car import process and represent a real relief measure for a broad segment of citizens, provided it is implemented firmly and transparently to ensure its credibility and sustainability.
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Vios Challenge turns up heat in Sepang
A single one-hour race marked a monumental milestone for the 2025 Vios Challenge, which made its international debut at the Malaysian round of the Autobacs Super GT. Departing from its usual 10-lap sprint format on a shortened circuit, Round 2 saw all 36 drivers across three classes start together on the full 5.543 km length of the iconic Petronas Sepang International Circuit, doubling the challenge for every competitor. Adding to the international flair, the grid featured racers from Thailand, Singapore and India. The Vios Challenge was made even more special with UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia's title sponsorship of the Malaysian round of the Super GT series. In the Super Sporting Class for professionals, Laser Motor Racing's Eddie Lew jumped into an early lead as soon as the race got underway, getting ahead of Wheelcorp's Nabil Azlan. Pole sitter and Laser Motor Racing's second driver Ady Rahimy Rashid dropped seven places into eighth position. Nabil, however, punched into the lead by the third lap with Telagamas Toyota's Freddie Ang moving into second position as Lew also dropped into third by the halfway mark of the race. In the end, it was Ang who claimed the chequered flag ahead of Nabil with Toyotsu Racing's William Ho a further 18 seconds behind in third place. "The initial plan was to attack in the second half of the race but as things unfolded in the race, it went from this to getting to the front and trying to pull away. "In a one-hour race it is extremely challenging and it is critical to manage both the car and tyres," said Ang, who finished the 20-lap race a mere 0.7 seconds ahead of Nabil. "He (Nabil) was on my rear bumper the entire time and every time I tried to pull away he was right there with me. I couldn't do anything more and so I settled for being defensive and trying to just stay ahead. "To be honest it was very taxing on the body, especially with the heat. We are all so used to the sprint race and therefore the second 30-minute stint this weekend really had you feeling body fatigue…it was extremely hot." The Sporting Class for amateurs, meanwhile, was dominated by Hong Huat & Armada KK Racing's Jwan Hii who delivered a dominant drive to finish eight seconds ahead of Kulim Top Wheels' Datuk Dr Ken Foo. In third place was Thai driver Varunchit Wattanathanakun representing RUK Team Nexzter PMC 52. The race was essentially Hii's from start to finish as he dominated from pole position to post the fastest lap time of 2 min: 52.409 seconds. Down the field in the Rookie Class, drama unfolded in the penultimate stages of the race as Aydan Khaliq took victory ahead of Rahul Dev, with Harkiesh Geeva in third position. Harkiesh and Aydan had been trading places for the race lead and with several minutes left to the finish, the former had been poised for what appeared to be certain victory until a mechanical problem denied him of the top spot on the podium. "To be honest, I was very fortunate to finish where I did after Harkiesh lost his third gear despite leading the race for quite a fair bit. But that is part and parcel of racing," said Aydan. "Racing on the full track was also a bit more tiring…Mentally I was fit enough but after competing in the GR86 Cup Malaysia race I practically had to rush to the starting grid for the Vios Challenge. "Nevertheless, competing on a Super GT race week is excellent exposure not only for me as a rookie but the entire Vios Challenge series as it projects local talent and racing internationally," he added.
Yemenat
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yemenat
From My Diaries in America: A Confession
I arrived in America from Cairo, and I had to take heart medication twice a day, after lunch and dinner, according to my doctor's instructions back in Cairo. When I started having only one meal a day, my routine fell apart, leading to a disruption in taking my medication, and adding more distress, anxiety, and depression—more stress and frustration. I didn't realize the toll this was taking on my health until a cardiologist compared my recent medical records with the old ones and informed me that my condition had worsened. He even presented me with the option of open-heart surgery to replace some arteries. In Egypt, my priority was a surgery for a cleft palate and a herniated disc; now in America, my heart issues took center stage. I still had other health concerns waiting in line, while appointments here demand both time and patience. Before seeing the doctors, I had to wait a month and a half just to begin the approval process for treatment. Health is vital, and health requires living with dignity, which, unfortunately, has become compromised. Living here has its harsh realities that leave no room for leniency or joking. After arriving in America, I received nine hundred dollars from three members of the Yemeni community in New York, with each person giving me three hundred dollars. I accepted it with immense pain, embarrassment, and a profound sense of shame—blame falls on those who govern and support the tyrannical rulers and the authorities in Yemen. One of my friends recognized my struggles and gave me five hundred dollars, and later, without me asking, Nabil from another state helped me with a thousand dollars, two-thirds of which I sent back to my family in Yemen. I wanted to work here to cover my living expenses, but to work legally, I need a work permit, which I can only obtain after applying for asylum, taking at least a month or more, or by securing residency. All these circumstances push me toward seeking asylum for political or humanitarian reasons, yet I haven't done so, and I don't think I will, no matter how dire the situation becomes. I continue to resist, and my heart still beats, despite its damage, while the politicians in my bloodied homeland reap the daily harvest of suffering.
