14
June 2004
From Iran to Syston - a refugee's tale |
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| Farhad
is currently working in a pizza shop |
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Farhad
Motazedian is a trained engineer. He was forced to leave his native
Iran after being caught up in an anti-government demonstration.
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Where
I came from
I
come from Iran. I used to work as an engineering inspector. In 1999
there was a student demonstration all over the country. I was involved
in that demo. A number of student were killed and I was persecuted.
I had to leave.
Changing
countries
I came to Leicester in May 2000. Life wasn't that good. I lived in
the International Hotel and had to share a room with two chain smokers
for 15 months.
Family
left behind
My brother left Iran after me but he is destitute and lives with
me. My mother and sister are still there. I worry about them. My
father died eight years ago. You know the culture in Iran, girls
aren't allowed to work so I send money to them.
Arriving
in Leicester
First of all I was refused asylum but that decision was eventually
overturned and I was accepted. Life has changed dramatically from
being an engineer to an asylum seeker to a refugee.
Starting afresh
I started working in a pizza shop to earn some money. I bought the
shop with a partner with backdated income support after I was given
my refugee status. But I'd really like to get back to being an engineer.
I have applied to Cambridge University to do a Phd but I need to
finance myself.
Listen
to Farhad's
interview in full.
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