Why living in the UK scares me as an asylum seeker | Close Up
28-year-old Azad was one of thousands who demanded change in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini. Now, he’s living on a crowded boat in southern England, fearful of stepping onto dry land and risk assault for being an asylum seeker.
When he fled Iran he believed he’d find safety in the UK, but instead has encountered hostility and rising anti-refugee sentiment that erupted in violent riots. Britain’s worst unrest in a decade was triggered by a deadly stabbing attack falsely attributed to a Muslim migrant. Far-right English nationalists rampaged through cities, attacking places where asylum seekers were housed. Azad’s home, the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge, was spared but he was left anxious to flee once more.
In Al Jazeera’s latest gripping Close Up documentary, Azad shares his fears, shows us his floating accommodation, and invites us to follow him to a pro-refugee protest. On the way we witness both hostility and solidarity, and his unwavering hope against all odds.
Credits
Director: Ana Gonzalez
Camera: Alex King
Editor: Lidia Ravviso
Producer and Video Editor: Antonia Perello
Sound Mixer: Yago Cordero Domenech
Colourist: Catherine Hallinan
Senior Editor: Donald Cameron
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