Refugee's asylum decision joy

Yasser Dirki, 31, of Milward Road, had faced deportion back to Syria-to his old life of fear, secrecy and persecution.

Yasser, who fled his home in Damascus four years ago, finally got the all clear from the home office on Saturday. It was welcome news confirming his right as a political refugee to seek asylum in England.

A popular face around town, Yasser had gathered an army of supporters for his case. More than 30 letters were written to the judge hearing his appeal, telling of his work within the community and the dangers awaiting him if he was sent back home. Six of his supporters also accompanied him to London to will him on at his hearing.

Yasser said: "I was very nervous. At the appeal the judge had said to expect his answer in four weeks with all his reasons. I did not know what was going to happen, I couldn't tell if he was happy or sad."

Since his arrival,Yasser has worked hard to become a valued member of the community, using his excellent language skills to provide help for other asylum seekers at the Silchester Mews community centre, St Leonards. He also works for a Lewes-based charity Sompriti, offering advice to ethnic minorities.

It was this selfless work which swung the home office decision in his favour, finally granting him asylum on human rights grounds.

In his spare time he also tirelessly campaigns for the independence of his Kurdish people.

He spent months collecting signatures against the imprisonment of a Kurdish political activist held on death row.

But his actions in Hastings would have meant prison or even death in his home country.

He said: "I had to keep my work secret when I was at university in Syria. You were always at risk, so everything had to be done secretly."

Supporter and friend Fernando Bauza, 60, of Milward Road, said: "Yasser has managed to make an enormous amount of friends.

"He has intergrated so well in the area. He is a quiet but very determined chap, very kind and always helping others. We had all sorts of meetings to talk about his problems and see what could be done, writing letters to the MP and the judge."

Friend Diane Voisey said: "He is just part of our town, he has made friends here."

Friends and colleagues also wrote, and gained the support of, MP Michael Foster for his case.

Mr Foster said: "I'm delighted his application has been successful, he is a useful member of society and I very much supported his application. He's a really nice chap, very westernised and kind.

"He's one of those guys that everyone gets on with and now he can feel safe. He will have a very significant part to play as a member of this community. He is a great example of what people who come to this country can contribute."

Dozens of letters were received to the MP's office, from individuals and voluntary groups, expressing their concerns over Yasser's future.

One read: "He is a good friend, honest, kind, intelligent and a supporter of the oppressed. He would be so unsafe going back."

Yasser said: "I finally feel settled and I can start planning for the future. I just want to thank everyone who has helped me through my difficulties."

He now hopes to put his experience to good use by studying human rights and international law.