Emergency appeal to raise funds against deportation of football coach

Article published: Thursday, January 6th 2011

Campaigners for Mehdi Merzae have made an urgent plea for donations in order to fund a barrister to help prevent his deportation.

Mehdi’s judicial review against expulsion was rejected by the High Court on Tuesday. He is now currently in detention awaiting deportation.

The 26 year-old, who has lived in Manchester since 2003, fled Afghanistan after his family were murdered for involvement in an anti-government group. Captured and detained by the authorities, he suffered torture but was able to escape with the help of his uncle.

Mehdi has been an active community figure since his arrival. An avid footballer, he set up local football team Omid FC and has volunteered with the Manchester Hazara Community organisation as a sports co-ordinator.

Removal orders were originally given for him to be deported in November but lawyers managed to force a challenge.

Supporters have a target of £1000 which is required for Mehdi’s solicitor to instruct a barrister to submit an application against the latest deportation order. £300 has already been reached.

A statement on the website says: “Help us get Mehdi back to Manchester to his team where he belongs!”

Donations can be made electronically via this website:
http://www.intermancunia.co.uk/mehdi-must-stay-blog.html

You can also help by contacting Home Secretary Theresa May and ask her to release Mehdi from detention and stop his deportation sending a message to: mayt@parliament.uk or Privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

More: QuickKick

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