Iran refugee sews face in protest
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SPECIAL REPORT
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LONDON, England -- An Iranian refugee who is facing possible deportation from Britain has sewn up his eyes, ears and mouth to protest his treatment by the government.
Abas Amini, a political poet and communist activist, took the unusual step after going on a hunger strike a week ago. He is refusing all medical treatment and has reportedly threatened to kill himself if anyone attempts to force-feed him.
The 33-year-old is upset that the government is appealing a decision to grant him asylum. Amini, who fled Iran to Britain two years ago, lives Nottingham, central England.
Amini claims he escaped Iran after being tortured and jailed. He says he will be executed if he is forced to return to his homeland.
"Shouldn't a human being have a square foot of earth to live on and to live in peace? That is what I came here for," Amini told BBC Radio, speaking through an interpreter.
The government has declined to give details on Amini's case. But the UK Press Association said he was granted asylum three weeks ago after his original application was rejected.
The government is believed to be seeking a judicial review of the case, PA reported.
"I don't know what I have to do any more for my situation to be resolved," The Guardian newspaper quoted Amini as saying. "I spent many years in prison being tortured. I was forced to flee here."
His doctor said Amini is thinking rationally and understands the consequences of his actions.
"He is very weak and dehydrated through not drinking anything for several days. He will rapidly deteriorate if he doesn't take any fluids, and he is quite clear that he actually wants to die," Dr. Chris Udenze told The Guardian.
The British government has been under pressure to tighten laws to reduce the number of people granted asylum.
Last week, the government announced a 32 percent decline in asylum applicants in the first quarter of the year.
