Switzerland rejects asylum application from Iranian refugee pursuing Judaism
Mikheil Grishashvili, a Jewish community leader and representative of the Peace Synagogue in Georgia, told the Post that Vali has been an active member of the community since 2023.
Iranian refugee Behnam Vali Heydarian, also known as Ben Vali, has had his asylum application in Switzerland rejected. Vali, who converted to Judaism, fears deportation to Georgia and potentially Iran, where he may face execution. He had been granted a business visa in Switzerland but was deemed to have entered illegally. Despite offers from Swiss nationals to provide him with employment and housing, his asylum request was denied, stating he entered the country illegally and fled a "safe" nation.
Vali's conversion and activism against Iran, particularly following the October 7 attacks, brought him to the attention of the Iranian regime. He faced physical threats, bank account freezes, and deportation threats in Georgia. The Swiss authorities did not examine his asylum claim on its merits, as he was already considered a refugee in Georgia.
Vali's situation remains uncertain as he awaits deportation, with no prospects of refuge in the European Union.
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