Rahim Rostami

Who is Rahim Rostami?

Rahim Rostami is an Iran-born asylum seeker who became known to the public in Norway via national TV station NRK in the investigative journalism "NRK Brennpunkt" programs where he in twice appeared in programs focusing on Senjehesten Asylum Seeker Reception Center where he came forward as spokesperson for criticism from the residents. The Brennpunkt programs pointed out unacceptable conditions at this reception center, which was later closed-down.

Following the Brennpunkt programs, Rostami and three other residents were moved to another reception center, allegedly to regain calm at the center.

Rostami came to Norway as a minor. His asylum application was, according to the weekly Norwegian magazine Ny Tid based on fear of persecution and the consequences of a death penalty following an in absentia judgement in Iran that he became aware of after he fled. The Norwegian Norwegian Directorate of Immigration and the Immigration Appeals Board found the documentation to not be credible, and turned down the asylum application.

As Rostami attempted to open a bank account, the bank notified the immigration authorities, and he was arrested by the National Police Immigration Service and deported to Teheran, where he was handed over to Iranian authorities, who imprisoned him in Evin prison with a bail option that was shortly after withdrawn.