High Court upholds rejection of Irish citizenship to Iranian refugee on security grounds

The High Court has upheld Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald’s decision to refuse Irish citizenship to an Iranian refugee based on national security concerns outlined in a secret report, the Irish Independent reports.

The father-of-two, who has lived in Ireland for the past 25 years, was not given specific reasons for the refusal when his application was rejected in September 2014.

His previous application in May 2014 had also been refused, but he successfully fought to have that decision quashed by the High Court.

His subsequent application was then refused.

Lawyers for Ms Fitzgerald said the decision was made based on a secret report which could not be disclosed “on grounds of protecting national security and international relations”.

They said Ms Fitzgerald was relying upon executive privilege in her refusal to give reasons or a detailed explanation.

Ms Justice Carmel Stewart upheld Ms Fitzgerald’s decision and said there was no proven error in her decision-making process.