A Kurdish woman in Birmingham fears for her life as the UK government seeks to return her to Iran after her asylum claim was denied
Birmingham: A Kurdish woman named Narmin Vatankhah is in a tough spot. She fled Iran in 2022 after facing death threats for protesting against the government. Now, she’s worried the UK might send her back, which could put her life at risk.
Narmin left Iran after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini sparked massive protests. Amini died while in police custody, and her story ignited a wave of anger across the country.
As a political activist, Narmin fears returning to Iran would be a death sentence. Her asylum claim was turned down earlier this year, and she was told she could just “go back and hide,” which she strongly disagrees with.
After escaping Iran in October 2022, Narmin has been vocal in protests in the UK, calling for change in her homeland. The UN has blamed Iran for Amini’s death, and human rights groups report over 500 people have died in the government’s crackdown.
“I joined the protests because I couldn’t stand by and watch the cruelty,” Narmin shared. “Those were dark days. Many young people and parents lost their lives, while others were imprisoned or tortured.”
She recounted a harrowing moment when police chased protesters. One of her friends was caught, and Narmin barely managed to escape. That’s when she knew they had to leave Iran for good.
With help from her husband’s relatives, they were smuggled out. “It felt like crossing death, but we had no choice,” she said.
After arriving in the UK, Narmin applied for asylum and went through two interviews with the Home Office. Unfortunately, her case was rejected later that year. Now, she’s hoping the government will reconsider and plans to appeal.
“Leaving my homeland and family was heartbreaking,” she admitted. “But we came here for freedom and to express our beliefs openly. My heart remains with my loved ones in Iran, and I’ll keep fighting for a better future for my people.”
The Home Office stated they wouldn’t send anyone back to a country where they could face persecution. However, they also mentioned they don’t comment on individual cases.
