Ardeshir Gholipour released

On April 29, Iranian refugee Ardeshir Gholipour was released from the Baxter detention centre after more than five years in detention. His release came after the release of some 30 Iranian and Afghan refugees during April, most of whom had spent between three and five years in detention.

Gholipour's case was taken up by writers' group PEN International when his asylum claim was rejected and he faced deportation in January. Melbourne PEN member Peter Job told Green Left Weekly that PEN's London office was able to confirm Gholipour's claims that he would face political persecution, including possible death, if he were returned to Iran. "He is with friends in Melbourne", Job said, "and I am sure he will do very well."

Coincidentally, Gholipour was released a day before the launch of Another Country, a book of writings by detainees compiled by PEN members Thomas Keneally and Rosie Scott.

Sarah Stephen

From Green Left Weekly, May 11, 2005.

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From GLW issue 626