[Peace-discuss] Asylum denied to Iranian political cartoonist

[Jason Pitzl-Waters]

Asylum denied to Iranian political cartoonist
http://www.tcj.com/journalista/zarch200301A.html#jamal
http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/monday/news_4.html

The Austin, Texas arts community is working feverishly to prevent it from 
happening, but it looks like Mo Jamal Etemadzadeh, who once opposed 
theocratic rule in Iran with his cartoons, will be deported Sunday along 
with his family. The Austin American-Statesman explains:

"Mo Jamal and Shahla Etemadzadeh, one-time opponents of Iran's Islamic 
government, fled their country in 1985 with their four young sons. Jamal, 
an artist who drew caricatures critical of the government, said he would 
have ended up in jail -- and still fears he will be jailed if he returns.

"They won asylum in Germany, but nine years later, amid assassinations of 
Iranian dissidents in Europe and the rise of the skinhead movement, they 
moved to the United States. After spending two years in Minneapolis -- the 
winters were too cold -- the family finally settled in Austin.
"Their initial petition for asylum was denied and their appeal, which was 
pending for five years, was denied last month. "

The article goes on to explain that political asylum is rarely granted to 
immigrants who have already received asylum from another country.


Jason Pitzl-Waters
The Middle Room Gallery
@ Urbana-Champaign The Independent Media Center
http://www.gallery.ucimc.org
Drawing Resistance, a travelling political art show
Jan 5-31, Reception Jan 18, 7-9pm