Mehdi N. Is Granted Official Status as a Refugee in Germany

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Source: IRGR

Mehdi N., a 30-year-old gay Iranian, left his country for Germany in 2007 because of his well-founded fear of persecution due to his sexual orientation.

Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) was informed about Mehdi's case in 2007 when he reached IRQR via email and explained his life-threatening situation. We at IRQR contacted the German authorities and Mehdi's solicitor in order to fight for Mehdi's official refugee status, but unfortunately Germany threatened to deport Mehdi back to Iran in March 2009. We initiated a campaign to stop his deportation, and with your support, we won this hard-fought battle. You can read more about Mehdi's situation here (http://www.irqr.net/English/199.htm) and here ( http://www.irqr.net/English/199.htm )

Arsham Parsi, Executive Director of IRQR, traveled to Germany to help resolve Mehdi's difficult situation. He was able to find an excellent supporter in Germany who agreed to pay all legal fees in order to mount the final appeal of the deportation order against Mehdi. IRQR was also able to contact LSVD on Mehdi's behalf in order to help him further in Germany.

Finally, today, Mehdi is officially recognized as a refugee in Germany. "I cannot believe it. Somebody must kidding me! I cannot believe that my limbo situation is over now, and that I have the right to live in Germany as a human being," Mehdi said in a telephone conversation with IRQR, just after his refugee status was confirmed.

We at IRQR thank everyone who sent letters on Mehdi's behalf to the German authorities. Your letters not only gave Mehdi hope in his fight against deportation to Iran - which may have resulted in physical harm to him at his return - but they also helped to achieve the stunning reversal of the German authorities in granting Mehdi his official refugee status.

IRQR is working on about 250 Iranian queer asylum cases worldwide. Without your support, our ability to act effectively on their behalf is tightly restricted.

To make a donation in support of our work, please check http://www.irqr.net/donation.htm.

To became member of Refugee Sponsorship Plan, Please check http://www.irqr.net/RSP