Iranian protester wins asylum battle
An Iranian man who sewed his eyes, lips and ears shut to protest against the way his asylum claim was handled has won his battle to stay in Britain.
However, Abas Amini has pledged to continue his hunger strike for the sake of other refugees – despite warnings from doctors that he could die.
Mr Amini, 33, began his hunger strike on May 20th after receiving news that the Government was seeking a judicial review on his successful asylum application.
However, an independent appeal tribunal has rejected the Home Office case and ruled that the Iranian dissident has the right to asylum.
Friends and supporters are trying to persuade Mr Amini, who lives in Nottingham, to end his protest following a doctor’s warning that he could die within days if he continues.
But, Mr Amini maintains that he will continue his protest to highlight the plight of other refugees and the failings of the asylum system.
He said: ‘I will continue. I do this because of what is happening to other asylum-seekers.’
Mr Amini wants the Home Office to review its policy towards asylum appeals. He is also reportedly calling for the right to remain in the UK to be guaranteed for people from countries such as Afghanistan and Iran.
About 200 people protested yesterday outside Mr Amini’s Nottingham home, to demonstrate their support.
Mr Amini has expressed the fear that he would be killed for his political past if he were deported.
The former guerrilla fighter was an activist against the Iranian regime for 21 years. He has been jailed several times, the final time for writing poetry criticising the ruling Islamic regime.
Mr Amini claimed asylum in Britain in August 2001 after escaping from prison and travelling across Europe. His application was supported by a medical report, which backed up his claims that he had been tortured.
The Home Office has accepted the decision and maintains that the timing of the announcement, as Mr Amini’s protest attracted huge publicity, was coincidental.
