Getting into asylum process was key to Iranian man ending hunger strike



Being allowed enter the asylum process in this country was what finally convinced a 44-year old Iranian man who was on hunger strike in Sligo for 36 days to end his fast yesterday afternoon.

Amjad Rosstami, who is living in Globe House, a Direct Provision Centre in Sligo, went on hunger strike because he feared he would be killed if he was deported back to Iran.

It’s understood he initially arrived in Britain, where it was decided he should be deported.

Mr Rosstami, who had been removed to Sligo University Hospital, came off his hunger strike yesterday afternoon.

With increasing concern over his condition, there had been moves yesterday to have his case raised in the Dail.

Yesterday evening, Sligo/Leitrim Fianna Fail TD Marc MacSharry said he had been told the man had ended his hunger strike after being permitted to enter the asylum process here.

Deputy MacSharry says he understands the man will now be able to apply for asylum here in Ireland despite Britain having decided to deport him.

In the Dail yesterday afternoon, the case of the Iranian hunger striker was also raised by Sligo/Leitrim Fianna Fail Deputy Eamon Scanlon.

He asked the Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald if the deportation order against him could be rescinded until such time as the case is property investigated.

This was Minister Fitzgerald’s response.



Related