How to stop a deportation
The vast majority of deportations from the Netherlands take place on commercial flights. When you arrive at the departures lounge, check from the window if you can see a van and somebody being forcibly escorted into the plane through the back door.
SEE IT
People being deported are usually in the back row of the airplane, surrounded by two or three escorting military police officers in plain clothes or suits. The person being deported may be hand- or body-cuffed or otherwise restrained, and there are cases where people are forcibly placed horizontally on the seats. A jaw fixation might be placed to prevent the person from screaming or talking. Once you have reasonable grounds to suspect that an individual is being deported, go over and try to find out if the person wants to stop the deportation.
SAY IT
The next step is to indicate to the other passengers and cabin staff that you are shocked to learn that that someone is on the flight against their will. Don’t cause too much disturbance yet, the police are still in charge and they can easily take you off the flight at this point if they suspect you are going to make a scene.
STOP IT
From the moment the doors are closed, the passenger safety instructions have been given and the plane prepares for takeoff, the pilot is in charge and has the ultimate say in whether the person being deported remains on the flight. This is the right moment to step up your protest.
Earlier, you sat down as instructed and fastened your seat belt. Now you stand up again and state that you will only sit down if the deportation is stopped.
Some tips and guidelines:
SEE IT
People being deported are usually in the back row of the airplane, surrounded by two or three escorting military police officers in plain clothes or suits. The person being deported may be hand- or body-cuffed or otherwise restrained, and there are cases where people are forcibly placed horizontally on the seats. A jaw fixation might be placed to prevent the person from screaming or talking. Once you have reasonable grounds to suspect that an individual is being deported, go over and try to find out if the person wants to stop the deportation.
SAY IT
The next step is to indicate to the other passengers and cabin staff that you are shocked to learn that that someone is on the flight against their will. Don’t cause too much disturbance yet, the police are still in charge and they can easily take you off the flight at this point if they suspect you are going to make a scene.
STOP IT
From the moment the doors are closed, the passenger safety instructions have been given and the plane prepares for takeoff, the pilot is in charge and has the ultimate say in whether the person being deported remains on the flight. This is the right moment to step up your protest.
Earlier, you sat down as instructed and fastened your seat belt. Now you stand up again and state that you will only sit down if the deportation is stopped.
Some tips and guidelines:
- The plane cannot take off unless all passengers are seated
- Delay and unrest may make the pilot decide to stop the deportation. Missing the time-slot for the plane to depart will not be appreciated by the airline; it is expensive and passengers will be affected.
- Ignore the police and crew who will ask you to sit down and will try to convince you that all legal procedures have been followed
- Ignore any comments from passengers who get mad at you for delaying the flight. Try to find passengers who are supportive. Also prepare yourself for passengers who utter racist rubbish.