Afghan atheist wins asylum in Britain on religious grounds
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 14 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghan atheist wins asylum in Britain on religious grounds, 14 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/533143e712.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 14, 2014
An Afghan citizen has been granted asylum in Britain on religious grounds because he is an atheist.
Lawyers for the man, who has not been identified, said on January 14 that he came to Britain in 2007, aged 16, and gradually lost his Muslim faith.
They argued that he could face a death sentence as an apostate if he was returned to Afghanistan.
It is said to be the first time a person has been granted asylum in Britain on the basis of their atheism.
The legal team submitted the case to the Home Office under the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which aims to protect people from persecution on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinions, or membership in a particular social group.
Based on reporting by AP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
