Home Office accused of ‘pro-Islam’ bias

The Home Office has been accused of pro-Islam bias after a Christian woman was granted asylum following a lengthy legal battle.

The Christian Legal Centre said ‘Maria’ fled Islamic persecution to seek asylum in the UK but faced Home Office resistance. According to the CLC, she risked abduction, forced conversion to Islam and possible death if she returned to her country of origin.

After being assessed by a Muslim assessor who was wearing a hijab, Maria’s application was rejected, and the CLC challenged the Home Office’s decision. An initial appeal failed; and following a second, successful, appeal – her case was sent for a retrial.

The judge ruled that the original refusal breached the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention; and breached Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998. The judge also accepted that an important piece of evidence appeared to have been tampered with while in the possession of the Home Office.