THE work of one of The National’s journalists was recognised at the Scottish Refugee Council’s
media awards.
Greg Russell took the runner’s-up prize in the investigation category at the Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards 2019 for his series of stories about Isabella Katjiparatijivi, a young asylum seeker from Namibia wrongfully detained at Dungavel.
The Home Office claimed Russell’s initial story was inaccurate but he was able to prove it had lied and Katjiparatijivi, who feared persecution over her sexuality if returned to Namibia, was released.
Russell said: “I was chuffed to be shortlisted and honoured and humbled to become runner-up. Isabella’s story typifies the hostile environment and the belligerence that we’ve sadly come to expect from the Home Office.
“I’m glad I can play even a small part in highlighting the injustices inflicting fear and misery on so many vulnerable people.”
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