Summary
A judge has temporarily stopped the deportation of four Chagossian individuals who went to the Chagos Islands to protest a UK plan to transfer the territory to Mauritius. The judge issued an injunction, giving the British authorities seven days to respond. This decision adds complexity to the UK’s effort to hand control of the islands to Mauritius, a deal that has drawn criticism, including from US President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
- A judge blocked the deportation of four Chagossians on the Chagos Islands for at least seven days.
- The Chagossians were protesting the UK's plan to transfer the islands' control to Mauritius.
- British authorities had served the men with eviction notices, threatening fines or jail if they did not leave.
- The judge noted that the men posed no security threat and were far from the military base on Diego Garcia.
- The Chagossians' visit is supported by a British political group, which funded their journey.
- The UK has controlled the Chagos Islands since 1814 and evicted inhabitants in the 1960s.
- The UK and Mauritius agreed on a deal involving a financial payment to maintain the UK-US military base.
- President Donald Trump has opposed the territory transfer on social media, complicating the deal.
