'Euphoria, anxiety, stress, happiness, anxiety...': an interview with Charles Atangana

Six weeks ago, economic and current affairs journalist Charles Atangana was detained by UK immigration authorities. He now faces deportation back to Cameroon. Released on bail to prepare a challenge against his deportation, he has been working at the NUJ offices in London, continuing research into corruption in his home country.

Atangana fled Cameroon in 2004, following repeated threats over his investigations. He also claims he was taken away, imprisoned and tortured by the authorities for helping to organise a press conference for the Southern Cameroon's National Council, an organisation considered illegal by the government.

After arriving in the UK, Atangana filed a claim for asylum, but it was refused more than six years later and he was detained on 25 June. In response, the NUJ launched a legal challenge to get the deportation order dropped and invited members join the campaign by sending letters to their local MPs and taking part in protests.

Last week, Atangana was given a temporary reprieve and subsequently granted six weeks bail. But he could still be deported if his challenge is unsuccessful.

Our reporter Rachel McAthy went to meet him at the NUJ offices in London.

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