Charles Atangana
Journalists are to hold a vigil outside the Immigration and Asylum Court tomorrow in support of a journalist threatened with deportation from the UK.

Charles Atangana, who fled Cameroon more than six years ago, is due to appear at the court for an appeal hearing on Thursday after a fresh claim for asylum in the UK was refused earlier this year, but given a right of appeal.

Atangana, who is a member of the National Union of Journalists, fled his home country in 2004 claiming he was tortured and detained for his work.

The economics and current affairs reporter was due to be deported back to Cameroon in August last year but was granted a reprieve following an ongoing campaign by the NUJ.

His hearing is due to take place at the court at 10am tomorrow, with a vigil to be held from 9.30am, organised by the NUJ.

Speaking to Journalism.co.uk, Atangana said he was still "fairly confident" of his appeal being granted.

During his battle against deportation the journalist has continued his research into corruption in his home country, despite reportedly receiving death threats.

"The way in which fellow-NUJ members supported Charles over the past year while he has sought to continue his life as a journalist free from persecution has been inspiring," NUJ deputy general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said in a report today.

"I hope as many supporters as possible will join tomorrow's vigil at the court."

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