A migrant who claims to have received asylum in the United Kingdom after fleeing Taliban-controlled Afghanistan has been found promoting financial support for a proscribed terrorist organization through social media. Azizrahman Azrawal, who reportedly arrived in the UK in 2022, has been using TikTok to encourage his followers to donate money to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been banned in the UK since 2011.
Azrawal, a garage worker and scrap metal dealer, gained attention for his videos, in which he openly supports the TTP and discusses fundraising strategies for the group. The TTP has been responsible for numerous acts of violence, including a tragic 2014 school massacre in Peshawar that resulted in the deaths of 155 individuals, including 132 children. In a now-deleted video, Azrawal spoke in Pashto about his intentions to initiate a fundraising campaign for the organization.
Despite claiming asylum in the UK and receiving protected status in 2023, Azrawal’s actions have raised significant concerns. According to the Home Office, supporting a proscribed organization is a serious criminal offense, and individuals found doing so risk deportation. The Home Office has stated, “Anyone supporting them will be deported at the earliest opportunity.”
Azrawal’s journey to the UK began after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. He asserts that his life was in danger from the Taliban, which he claims forced him to flee. Upon his arrival in the UK, he was granted asylum a year later, but his subsequent online activities have sparked outrage and fear among the public.
The TTP, a militant group operating primarily in Pakistan, has been labeled as a terrorist organization due to its violent actions against civilians and military personnel. The UK government, under then-Home Secretary Theresa May, classified the TTP as a banned group in 2011, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to combat terrorism.
On his TikTok account, Azrawal has amassed over 62,000 followers, utilizing the platform to spread his message. His calls for donations to the TTP, a group engaged in ongoing conflict and terror campaigns, contradict the values of the asylum protection he has received. Critics have expressed concerns over the implications of his actions, particularly in light of the UK’s commitment to safeguarding national security and countering terrorism.
When approached by the media regarding his support for the TTP, Azrawal responded with a series of threatening messages, further complicating his situation. His case highlights the challenges authorities face in monitoring the activities of asylum seekers who may engage in behaviors that jeopardize public safety.
As the UK continues to grapple with issues related to immigration and national security, the case of Azizrahman Azrawal serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in balancing humanitarian efforts with the necessity of ensuring safety for all citizens. The Home Office’s commitment to addressing any violations of the law will be closely watched as this situation unfolds.
