AMIR BEROGHANI'S LONG STRUGGLE IN GLASGOW: IRANIAN SEX OFFENDER FIGHTS DEPORTATION OVER HOMOSEXUALITY AND CRIMINAL RECORD
In January 2017, the case of Amir Beroghani, a 60-year-old Iranian man residing in Glasgow, drew significant attention due to his ongoing legal battle to remain in the United Kingdom.Beroghani, who was convicted of a sex offence involving two teenage boys, has been at the center of a complex and protracted legal saga that spans over a decade.
Beroghani’s criminal history dates back to 2006 when he was found guilty of indecent behaviour towards two teenage boys at a swimming pool and community centre.
His conviction led to a seven-month prison sentence.
Despite this, he initially sought asylum in the UK, claiming that he would face persecution if deported back to Iran because of his sexuality and his criminal record.
His first application for asylum was refused eleven years prior, and since then, he has repeatedly challenged deportation orders.
He has been refused asylum nearly ten times, with courts consistently dismissing his appeals.
Most notably, in 2011, the Court of Session in Edinburgh upheld his conviction, and subsequent legal proceedings reaffirmed that he had failed to prove he was a practicing homosexual under the standards required for asylum claims.
In 2008, Beroghani made a fresh asylum claim, asserting that he would face persecution in Iran due to his sexual orientation and his criminal history.
This application was rejected by then-Home Secretary Theresa May, who dismissed his case and denied his appeal.
Beroghani’s legal team continued to fight, arguing that he would be at risk of persecution if returned to Iran, where he claimed he would be subjected to intense questioning that could reveal his homosexuality or criminal record.
However, courts consistently rejected these arguments, stating that he had not provided sufficient proof of his sexual orientation or that he would face persecution based on it.
A judicial review conducted by Lord Hodge five years prior also found no legal errors in the decisions made against him, leading to the rejection of his application.
Despite these setbacks, the Home Office has maintained its stance, and Beroghani remains in Glasgow, where he continues to seek legal avenues to stay in the UK.
His case has attracted political attention, with some politicians and campaigners calling for his deportation.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson publicly expressed concern about his presence in the country, emphasizing the desire for him to be removed.
It is understood that Beroghani and his family arrived in Britain in 2005, initially entering through Dover before relocating to Glasgow.
His case remains a contentious issue, highlighting the complex intersection of criminal justice, immigration law, and human rights in the UK’s asylum system.
