August 16, 2010

Ethiopian Scientist Granted Asylum

On August 10, Paul, Weiss obtained asylum for a scientist from Ethiopia in a case referred to Paul, Weiss by Human Rights First. The asylee had fled Ethiopia after being repeatedly arrested, detained and tortured for his support of political opposition parties and his associations with targeted social groups. Following an affirmative application prepared by Paul, Weiss lawyers, the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services granted asylum to the scientist and his wife. He plans to pursue Ph.D. studies in the United States in his field of seismology, and he remains politically active. The Paul, Weiss team included partner Craig Benson, associate Brian Hart, former summer associates Matthew Huppert and Diana Viggiano, paralegal Josh Vittor and former paralegal Kira Suyeishi.