Posted by () on December 24, 2004 at 13:31:42:
Dear friends
It is a delight to be able to let you know that Leila and Saeed and their daughter Ghazal are now free to live in Adelaide on a temporary bridging visa. However, their position is not secure and they could still be deported to face torture in Iran.
Therefore, it will be great if you will write a letter on their behalf. Their case is coming before the courts and the time is now!
The letter needs to say that we understand that evidence has become available that was not there to be produced in their initial application for asylum. This included documentation of their arrest in Iran and of the existence of the Osho sannyas community in Australia, the religious group to which they belong and which has been supporting them.
The original High Court was not allowed to hear this evidence because it wasn't available when they first arrived in Australia(!), but we understand that it has been put before the Judge and that she is now able to consider it.
You can also support her decision to give them their current freedom and urge her to make it permanent as soon as possible. Or say it is a joy to hear of their integration into the community and to know that Ghazal is free to develop as a normal child.
However, the truth is that Leila and Saeed are still very much in limbo, until they know their position is secure and that they can work again in careers that would be of great value here in Australia.
Urge the Judge to use her powers under section 417 of the Migration Act 1958 to grant the family permanent protection.
The letter should be written to:
the Hon Amanda Vanstone
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural &Indigenous Affairs,
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia.
But post it first if you can to Leila and Saeed, so all the letters arrive at once. Their address is:
13/167 North East Rd Manningham, SA 5086.
Love, Sudeva