Attorneys at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP help win asylum for a human rights advocate from Chad

Mr. K investigated and reported incidents of military abuse for a human rights organization in Chad, and his family members were involved with the political opposition to Chad’s regime. Because of this, Mr. K was threatened, beaten and detained by Chadian authorities. The authorities also targeted his family because of his exposé. Mr. K was able to escape Chad through the help of well-connected friends. After arriving in the United States, he was interviewed by Human Rights First and his case was accepted into its pro bono representation program. He was represented by Jennifer Colyer, Jennifer Kim, and former associate Safia Hussain of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP. They were motivated to accept the case by their interest in human rights and international law, and their desire to fight for Mr. K’s safety. The pro bono attorneys worked tirelessly and overcame many of the challenges of the case. For example, corroborating affidavits were difficult to obtain because of the security problems in Chad. They also needed to refute government accusations that Mr. K committed visa fraud before asylum could be granted. Mr. K’s pro bono attorneys helped him win asylum in March 2009. He is now continuing his studies in the United States.