1906500 (Refugee)

The applicant, a Turkish citizen, sought a Protection visa, claiming a well-founded fear of persecution in Turkey due to his conversion from Islam to Catholicism. The dispute centred on whether the applicant genuinely adhered to Christianity and whether he faced a real risk of significant harm upon return to Turkey, either on account of his religion or his pacifist stance and opposition to military service. The case was heard by the Tribunal.

The Tribunal was required to determine if the applicant had established a genuine conversion to Christianity and, consequently, a well-founded fear of persecution based on his religion. Additionally, the Tribunal had to consider whether the applicant's opposition to military service and his pacifist beliefs created a real risk of significant harm if he were returned to Turkey. The Tribunal also considered the complementary protection criterion, assessing whether there were substantial grounds for believing that removal to Turkey would result in significant harm.

In its reasoning, the Tribunal found that the applicant's account of his journey towards Christianity was confused and inconsistent, and that his observations about the faith appeared generalised. The Tribunal noted credibility concerns, including the applicant's tattoos and piercings, and the fact that he had not yet completed his military service. The Tribunal concluded that the applicant had not demonstrated he was a genuine Christian and therefore did not have a well-founded fear of persecution on religious grounds. Furthermore, the Tribunal found no substantial grounds to believe that the applicant would suffer significant harm upon return to Turkey, either due to his religious beliefs or his stance on military service.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, meaning the applicant's application for a Protection visa was refused.