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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Heather Saul

Mo Farah's brother 'afraid for his life' over fears he could be deported to Somalia

The brother of Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah has said he fears for his life if he is deported to Somalia. 

Ahmed Farah, 27, moved to the UK with his brother and their parents aged two but he could be made to return to Somalia over his false imprisonment conviction for his role in a knife raid. 

The warehouse worker, who received a four-and-a-half year jail sentence, said he was a “horrible person” at the time he committed his crime but claimed prison has reformed him. 

“I can’t go back to where Mo and I were born – it is too dangerous,” he told the Mirror. 

“I’m scared I would end up dead. I feel there’s no hope for me.

“I am afraid for my life. I have no roots in Somalia. People would kill me, because I’m different. They would not class me as their own."

Ahmed, who lives in West London, says he has not spoken to Mo, 33, who lives in the US, since he left the family home to become an athlete. 

He was released early from prison in 2014 but told he could face deportation because of his conviction. He says legal hearings have been delayed and he has no idea when he could be sent back to Somalia.

The Independent has contacted the Home Office for comment. 

 

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