Tri-Service
Afghan Interpreters Lose High Court 'Discrimination' Battle
Two Afghan interpreters who risked their lives working for UK forces in the country have lost a High Court case against the government for alleged discrimination.
Mohammed Rafi Hottak and a man referred to as "AL" argued they should be given the same rights as Iraqi interpreters.
But judges rejected claims the government's assistance scheme was discriminatory.
The Afghanistan redundancy scheme was outlined when Prime Minister David Cameron announced the drawdown of UK forces from Afghanistan.
But it only applied to interpreters who were still serving British forces at the time and who had been employed for more than 12 months.
They applied for a judicial review at the High Court, arguing the scheme discriminated against them by not offering assistance when their lives became endangered.
Forces TV, meanwhile, has spoken to a former interpreter who fled to Britain after being tortured by the Taliban.
Noorzaman Khogyaniwal translated for the British Army in Kabul and Helmand Province during Op Herrick 14, but was forced to resign after the Taliban threatened the lives of him, his wife and his three children.
Now, after two and a half years, his application to stay has been refused, and he fears for his future.
He told James Hirst that he and others like him need the government’s help, in return for their service.
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