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United Kingdom Asylum and Immigration Tribunal |
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You are here: BAILII >> Databases >> United Kingdom Asylum and Immigration Tribunal >> AJ (Risk, Christian Convert) Pakistan CG [2003] UKIAT 00040 (15 August 2003) URL: http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKIAT/2003/00040.html Cite as: [2003] UKIAT 40, [2003] UKIAT 00040 |
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AJ (Risk- Christian Convert) Pakistan CG [2003] UKIAT 00040
Date of hearing: 21 July 2003
Date Determination notified: 15.08.03
AJ | APPELLANT |
and | |
Secretary of State for the Home Department | RESPONDENT |
For the appellant: Mr F Khan of HSK Solicitors
For the respondent: Mr J Wyatt, Home Office Presenting Officer
"evidence in relation to the study that he had undertaken before making this profound religious journey from Islam to Christianity was conspicuously vague. Asked what books he had studied, he could only mention one and made no reference to the Holy Bible."
"The appellant was unable to provide me at the hearing with any satisfactory explanation as to why he had obtained this document from this organisation".
The Adjudicator noted that the appellant said he had approached the organisation and that the person to whom he spoke said that he might have to leave Pakistan "and that the letter would give him some protection".
"an adverse conclusion from the fact that the appellant had gone to the trouble of obtaining it but had produced nothing from the church that he claimed to have been attending on a regular basis."
"have to produce a much more detailed and reasoned letter of support from the church, than the extremely short document submitted with the baptismal certificate."
The Vice President went on to say that, even if the appellant could establish the genuineness of his conversion,
"he will still have to be prepared to argue that there is a real risk of persecution or serious ill treatment in Pakistan."
has been a believing Christian since 16 July 2001, the date on which he was baptised by me. He has been a regular part of our fellowship since then, worshipping with us most Sundays, and praying daily. In conversation with him, I am persuaded that he has revoked Islam and has embraced Christianity."
"changed his religion from Islam to Christianity. Muslim fundamentalists reacted very sharply and tried to eliminate him along with his family on a number of occasions. Our community advised him to leave the country for his safety."
"is less dramatic than that of Ahmadis. Although they may well face difficulties and resistance from local Mullahs and blasphemy charges, the authorities are nonetheless willing and usually able to protect them from harassment, violence and intimidation. Some attacks however have not been prevented and Christians still face many legal and social restrictions."
Paragraph 6.77 notes that:
"There is no law that makes conversion from Islam to Christianity a cognisable offence. However, those that do convert may encounter problems from some elements of society who do not accept the practice."
"when blasphemy and other religious cases are brought to court, extremists often pack the courtroom and make public threats about the consequences of an acquittal. As a result, judges, magistrates and even defence lawyers often continue trials indefinitely, and the accused is burdened with further legal costs and court appearances."
P R Lane
Vice President