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Friends fight for refugee to stay
SHEFFIELD'S Green Party is backing a campaign to stop a failed Sheffield asylum seeker being sent back to his homeland and separated from his family.
Party members were due to attend a vigil outside Sheffield's Town Hall today at noon, to draw attention to Mohammed Arrian's plight.
Another vigil is to be held on Wednesday at 4pm.
The 34-year-old, from Manor Oak Court, Manor Park, had his application for asylum in the UK turned down.
His mum, three brothers and his sister, who all live in Sheffield, have been granted permission to remain in the country indefinitely.
Mohammed fled from Afghanistan 12 years ago, staying in Iran, after his father was murdered for having worked for a previous government.
Because Mr Arrian became the head of his family and spoke openly of his political beliefs, he feared he, too, could be killed.
When the rest of his family claimed asylum in Britain, Mohammed joined them. He lived here for three years until his application was rejected.
He is a member of the Sheffield Conversation Club and has made many friends and contacts in the city, who are campaigning for the decision to be overturned.
A petition of more than 400 names was sent to the Home Office asking for Mr Arrian to be allowed to remain with his family. Sheffield MP Richard Caborn has a meeting with Home Office ministers next week to discuss the case.
Mr Arrian fears his life will be at risk if he is forced to return to his home country.
Green councillor Jillian Creasy said: "I will be at the vigils in support of Mohammed Arrian. His case illustrates the plight of hundreds of asylum seekers in Sheffield who have fled dangerous situations in their own countries and who could be a real asset to the city if only they were given permission to stay and to work here.
"The council and citizens of Sheffield are rightly proud of having welcomed refugees from all over the world."
The Home Office refuses to discuss individual cases.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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