http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4341226.stm
A failed Zimbabwean asylum seeker has won his battle against deportation.
The unnamed man would be at risk of harm if he were returned to President Robert Mugabe's regime, the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal has ruled.
The test case decision could now prompt a judicial review by the High Court of the government's policy of sending failed asylum seekers back to Zimbabwe.
The government accepts there are human rights abuses in the country, but not that every asylum seeker is at risk.
The fact that the appellant made a false claim...does not alter the fact that the real risk of serious harm exists now
Tribunal ruling
Tim Finch, from the Refugee Council, said they were delighted by the ruling in the test case brought by the Zimbabwean asylum seeker, known only as 'A'.
He said that the judge could not have been clearer in his ruling.
"He said if you are a failed asylum seeker - you're a Zimbabwean you come over here and you make a claim for asylum and it fails - you shouldn't be sent back to Zimbabwe because you face a real risk you will be persecuted just by virtue of coming here and trying to find a place of safety and sanctuary."
He added they believed the security services in Zimbabwe targeted people who were failed asylum seekers.
"Coming to Britain and claiming sanctuary here is regarded as treason by the Mugabe regime," he said.
You couldn't make it up! Open the floodgates people...here they come!
A failed Zimbabwean asylum seeker has won his battle against deportation.
The unnamed man would be at risk of harm if he were returned to President Robert Mugabe's regime, the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal has ruled.
The test case decision could now prompt a judicial review by the High Court of the government's policy of sending failed asylum seekers back to Zimbabwe.
The government accepts there are human rights abuses in the country, but not that every asylum seeker is at risk.
The fact that the appellant made a false claim...does not alter the fact that the real risk of serious harm exists now
Tribunal ruling
Tim Finch, from the Refugee Council, said they were delighted by the ruling in the test case brought by the Zimbabwean asylum seeker, known only as 'A'.
He said that the judge could not have been clearer in his ruling.
"He said if you are a failed asylum seeker - you're a Zimbabwean you come over here and you make a claim for asylum and it fails - you shouldn't be sent back to Zimbabwe because you face a real risk you will be persecuted just by virtue of coming here and trying to find a place of safety and sanctuary."
He added they believed the security services in Zimbabwe targeted people who were failed asylum seekers.
"Coming to Britain and claiming sanctuary here is regarded as treason by the Mugabe regime," he said.
You couldn't make it up! Open the floodgates people...here they come!
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