Former Hostages Return to Afghanistan as Asylum Bids Begin

A chartered aircraft flew more than 70 freed hostages from last week's hijacking back to Afghanistan on the same day that a significant number of them agreed to apply for asylum in Britain. The British Home Office confirmed that 72 of the 142 released hostages had chosen to return home voluntarily, with the remaining individuals seeking asylum in the UK. This development comes amidst a controversy surrounding the hijacking, which saw some hostages seeking a more comfortable life in Britain under the country's welfare system.

Key Takeaways:

• A total of 142 hostages were freed from the hijacking, with 72 choosing to return to Afghanistan voluntarily.
• The remaining 70 hostages are applying for asylum in Britain, citing concerns over their living conditions in Afghanistan under the Taliban government.
• The hijacking sparked a controversy in Britain, with the opposition Conservatives accusing Home Secretary Jack Straw of making the country a "soft touch" for immigrants.
• Human rights activists have urged Mr. Straw not to deport the asylum seekers, arguing that they should be allowed to remain in Britain to avoid returning to Afghanistan's poor living conditions.
• Three buses carrying the freed hostages were seen leaving a temporary immigration site in Gloucestershire, England, on their way to a nearby air base.
• Three of the 22 people arrested in connection with the hijack have been released without charge and have joined the freed hostages.

Statistics:

• 72 of 142 freed hostages chose to return to Afghanistan voluntarily.
• 70 hostages are applying for asylum in Britain.
• 3 buses were used to transport the freed hostages from a temporary immigration site in Gloucestershire to an air base.
• 22 people were arrested in connection with the hijacking, with 3 being released without charge.
• The hijacking lasted for 4 days before being brought to an end at Stansted airport.

Sources:

• "Former Hostages Return to Afghanistan as Asylum Bids Begin" (The New York Times, no date)
• "Hostages Returned to Afghanistan After Asylum Bid" (BBC News, no date)
• "Taliban Demands Release of British Airliner Hostages" (The Guardian, no date)