Asylum Seeker's Faith Journey Amidst Depression

On April 2nd, a 20-year-old Iranian asylum-seeker told judges he sank into depression after moving

to Gateshead in the Northeast.

He fled Iran back in 2022, right after turning 16, crossing by small boat.

He claimed his dad beat him daily and forced him into unpaid work, plus he opposed the

regime there.

His initial asylum bid got turned down, but he scored temporary leave because of his age.

He joined anti-regime protests in Newcastle and popped up in a dissident's video online.

Then summer, 2024 hit, he got sent to Gateshead and things got rough mentally.

Family news about his little brother in a coma crushed him more.

A friend pulled him into a Christian church for Farsi prayers and he got baptized, saying

he lifted his spirits alongside some counseling.

Experts at the hearing called his faith, switch genuine, not a poise for his case.

He credited prayers for his brother's recovery and loved the support from the church crew.

The first tribunal dismissed his appeal, but folks saw real reasons behind his choices,

like community vibes helping his headspace.

Upper tribunal judge Gainer Bruce ruled it needs a full rehire at the lower level.

She pointed out solid explanations for his conversion that got overlooked, plus his mental

health boost from church.

Big changes in Iran with attacks from the U.S. and Israel factor in too.

That sets up a fresh shot for him in front of new judges, weighing his new life here against

the chaos back home.

Stay tuned as this plays out.