U.S. deports Iranian activist to Central African Republic after asylum denial

The United States deported an Iranian pro-democracy activist to Central African Republic on a flight that left Louisiana on Thursday night. Her lawyer, Emily Trostle, said the transfer placed the woman in a country where she has no connection, no legal status, and no support network.

Flight details and prior warnings Trostle told Reuters the activist had submitted extensive filings showing the risks of the destination. She said the removal left the woman "abandoned" and raised fears she could be forced back to Iran. The plane was scheduled to reach Bangui via Accra.

An official briefed on the matter said the flight was expected to carry about 20 people, including Syrians and Afghans.

Legal and diplomatic background The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund said the activist's asylum claim had been denied under a rule requiring applications in transit countries first. A federal court in California vacated that rule in May. Ghana and Central African Republic have signed agreements to accept third-country deportees whom the United States cannot return to their home nations.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated last week that all deportees receive full due process.