So I just noticed a python-pysam-tests.README.Debian. These are
apparently not autopkgtests. As written, these are tests intended for
the user to run after the python-pysam-tests package is installed.
The pysam_data folder is indeed created by that package (in
/usr/share/doc/python-pysam-tests/) and does hold the data, but I think
this is not at all the correct way to proceed for many many reasons. So
I will revamp the test packaging and report back.
However, maybe you can go ahead and upload to unstable to try to prevent
autoremoval from testing--- the known issue here is not with the actual
package (at least the main packages); just the arrangement of the test
suite code. If I finish before hearing back from you, I will include it
in the current unreleased revision.