In 1999, Ali Jafari fled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and was resettled as a refugee in Australia. But then, while visiting Pakistan, his permanent residency was suddenly cancelled. Now, 12 years later, he’s still stranded – separated from his family and fighting ASIO’s allegations that he is a people smuggler.

In court, Jafari’s family and legal team are up against it. They have discovered that the evidence behind his adverse security assessment is deemed confidential and will only be presented in a closed hearing – without their presence.

It’s an example of how  the national security apparatus is increasingly being used to pursue suspected people smugglers, often at the expense of foundational principles of justice.

Today, journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Mark Isaacs on the Jafari family’s search for answers and why ASIO refuses to provide them.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Mark Isaacs.

Photo: AFP Photo / Basarnas

In 1999, Ali Jafari fled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and was resettled as a refugee in Australia. But then, while visiting Pakistan, his permanent residency was suddenly cancelled. Now, 12 years later, he&rsquo;s still stranded &ndash; separated from his family and fighting ASIO&rsquo;s allegations that he is a people smuggler.
In court, Jafari&rsquo;s family and legal team are up against it. They have discovered that the evidence behind his adverse security assessment is deemed confidential and will only be presented in a closed hearing &ndash; without their presence.
It&rsquo;s an example of how&nbsp; the national security apparatus is increasingly being used to pursue suspected people smugglers, often at the expense of foundational principles of justice.
Today, journalist and contributor to&nbsp;The Saturday Paper Mark Isaacs on the Jafari family&rsquo;s search for answers and why ASIO refuses to provide them.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Mark Isaacs.
Photo:&nbsp;AFP Photo / Basarnas

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

How ASIO’s pursuit of people smugglers really works

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/6719f5e9-c65f-4fda-a9a6-b2d600644d5a/transcript

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