Switzerland rejects asylum application from Iranian refugee pursuing Judaism

Switzerland's Federal Administrative Court rejected the asylum application of Iranian refugee Behnam Vali Heydarian, a Jewish conversion candidate, putting him at risk of deportation to Georgia and potentially Iran. Vali, who fled Iran after being targeted for distributing Bibles and pro-Israel advocacy, entered Switzerland legally but was denied asylum on grounds of illegal entry and Georgia being a "safe" country, despite documented threats there. The court's decision, dated 17 September 2026, dismissed his appeal, and an entry ban now prevents him from returning to Switzerland or seeking refuge in the EU.

Switzerland's Federal Administrative Court has rejected the asylum application of Iranian refugee Behnam Vali Heydarian, also known as Ben Vali, a Jewish conversion candidate, placing him at risk of deportation to Georgia and potentially Iran. Vali told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that the court's decision, dated 17 September 2026, dismissed his appeal. Vali, a former Christian convert, initially drew the Iranian regime's attention for distributing Bibles in Iran and later for pro-Israel advocacy after the October 7 attacks. He fled to Georgia, where he was assaulted multiple times, had his bank accounts frozen, and was threatened with deportation by a person he believed was a member of Georgia's security services. He entered Switzerland on a business visa but was denied asylum on grounds of illegal entry and Georgia being a "safe" country, despite documented threats. Mikheil Grishashvili, a Jewish community leader and representative of the Peace Synagogue in Georgia, told the Post that Vali has been an active community member since 2023, describing him as "active, hardworking, kind, and responsible." Ibrahim Alvac, a Swiss lawyer representing Vali, confirmed the removal order and noted that the Swiss authorities did not examine the asylum claim on its merits regarding persecution in Iran. Vali said an entry ban now prevents him from returning to Switzerland or seeking refuge in the EU. He said he contacted Israeli authorities for protection but received no response.