14 July 2006

LET AFSHIN STAY www.hamhigh.co.uk

The Ham&High newspaper in North London marches on Downing Street in support of an asylum, staying with the Columbans, who is facing deportation.
A PETITION signed by hundreds of supporters of Iranian asylum seeker Afshin Azizian has been delivered to Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The event marks the culmination of a two year campaign by the Ham&High to seek justice for the 37-year-old.
More than 1,000 people have signed the petition which demands permission for Mr Azizian, who has been living in the UK for 11 years, to stay in the country on compassionate grounds.
After a peaceful demonstration in Whitehall on Wednesday Mr Azizian and the Ham&High's Matt Eley delivered a bundle of information to 10 Downing Street.

The package - addressed to Tony Blair and immigration minister Liam Byrne - included the petition, a personal statement by Mr Azizian and a poem written by one of his friends.
Mr Azizian said: "It has been a good day and lots more people have listened to my story. Now we wait to hear from the Home Office. Thanks to everyone who came here and the Ham&High for supporting me over the years."
It is hoped the Home Office will review the case of Mr Azizian who faces the threat of deportation but meanwhile is unable to work or claim benefits.
He fled Iran in 1995 for fear of being executed for his anti-establishment views and found a job and home in West Hampstead.
It took five years for the Home Office to reject his initial claim. Four years of failed appeal hearings followed.
In 2003 the Ham&High first reported Mr Azizian's battle for refugee status.
Since then he has been evicted from his home in Westbere Road and forced to live on the streets. He has been unable to work legally, and was admitted to hospital with malnutrition and exhaustion. He fears he will be executed if deported.
Recently he has been living with the Columban Fathers in Hampstead and received