A new law passed in South Africa allows the government to strip refugees of their asylum status if they engage in any political activity relating to their home countries.

JP Balous, a leader of one of the two factions representing foreign nationals who have taken refuge in Cape Town’s Central Methodist Church, condemned the new laws at a press conference in the church earlier today (January 14).

Balous was granted bail by the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court last week after being taken into custody on assault and other charges.