AN ASYLUM seeker who fled domestic violence and death threats from her own brother in Algeria has told how she has never been happy in England…..
‘UK IS KILLING ME’
Radhia Mohammed El Hadj, 39, and her four-year-old daughter live together in a single room in a Middlesbrough flat
AN ASYLUM seeker who fled domestic violence and death threats from her own brother in Algeria has told how she has never been happy in England.
Radhia Mohammed El Hadj said: “The quality of life here, it’s killing me”.
Asylum seeker Radhia Mohammed El Hadj shares a room with four-year-old daughter Anais
The mother-of-one, who arrived in the UK five years ago, now lives in a Middlesbrough flat while her application to remain in the country is considered.
But the reality of life has not lived up to her expectations.
She said: “My auntie in Hackney said: ‘Be happy. You’re in England. Thank God you’re not suffering. You will have nice life. You will find nice English husband.’
“And it’s never happened. I was never happy.
Anais and mother Radhia share a kitchen, bathroom and living area with another mother who has two kids
“Now, I’m scared, really.
“I didn’t know England was like this.
“Oh my God. I thought it was a heaven.”
Radhia and her four-year-old daughter Anais Boubeker, who suffers from sickle cell anaemia, live together in a single room.
Radhia was moved to Middlesbrough after her relationship in London broke down
Radhia complained that she has not been able to find any happiness since moving to the UK five years ago
Evening Gazette
Radhia complained that she has not been able to find any happiness since moving to the UK five years ago
They share a kitchen, bathroom and living area with another mother who has two kids.
She complained: “No garden, no space. I am locked in my room.
“The heating goes off automatically at midnight. I can’t make myself warm. It’s really cold.”
Facing an arranged marriage Radhia fled Algeria five years ago for her own safety.
Radhia fell pregnant with Anais after first arriving in the UK five years ago
Arriving in London she was moved from hostel to hostel before she thought she had found love.
But, after falling pregnant the relationship turned violent.
Radhia recalled: “He started swearing at me. He strangled me. He scratched my arms. I was in trouble. But worse I was by myself.”
She eventually managed to persuade the Home Office to move her out of London – ending up in Middlesbrough last summer.
Radhia was subjected to violence from the father of daughter Anais
A qualified hairdresser, but unable to work, she says her only respite is going for a walk.
She added: “I want to breathe. I am stuck with her. I feed her. Sit down. Watch TV. Try to teach her writing. I buy her alphabet letters. I try to wash. I try to clean.
“I’m scared of the future. To lose my daughter. To lose control.”
Asked about the future she said her only hope is for a good life for Anais.
