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Masoud’s story

12 June 2007, 02:31PM

Masoud

Click on Masoud's image to start his photo story.

There were 285 people in my boat, people were very afraid and crying. They were trying to put more and more people in the boat. Someone fell in the ocean and the smuggler took all the luggage and threw it into the sea; all my papers, family photos, my clothes, we all lost everything.

In 1999 I had a revolution with myself and realised I had to go. The danger was too great for me and my family. I felt this country will never change, better I change. I had to leave my own country.

It was too dangerous to leave by the border if you were opposed to the government. They wouldn't give you a passport so I had to leave with a false passport, which is very dangerous and expensive to get.

Masoud's photo story

Click on one of the images below to start Masoud's photo story. Use your keyboard arrow keys to move between images.

Masoud's luggage which was thrown overboard on his way to Australia Masoud at home Masoud by the sea Masoud leaving for work

Masoud in his cab Masoud in his cab Masoud in his cab Masoud in his cab

In 1999 I flew to Malaysia as if I was going on holiday, I couldn't leave with much luggage or money, I brought cans of beans, eggplant, bread and sardines to eat.

If I were to leave Australia with a temporary visa I can't go to any country, I need a passport. It's very tiring changing life again and again.

I can't be happy, I can't be unhappy. I can't make a future. I can't speak about my family because it is dangerous for them. I can never speak about them or contact them directly and they can never contact me directly.

"I think if I go back to Iran I will be killed. When I first escaped I didn't have Australia on my mind, I had freedom on my mind."

Masoud

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