Norway’s Longest Church Asylum Case: A Man’s Two-Decade Fight for Refuge
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A Burundian man has spent over 20 years seeking asylum in Norway, becoming a focal point for debate over immigration policy and the limits of legal recourse.
For more than two decades, suel Kassembo has lived in legal limbo in Norway, the last two years residing in a church in Herøy, becoming the country’s only known church asylum seeker. His case, marked by repeated rejections and a persistent claim of mortal danger should he be deported, has ignited a political firestorm and raised questions about the fairness of Norway’s asylum system.
Kassembo arrived in Norway in 2004,stating he was 16 years old and had fled Burundi after witnessing the murder of his parents and siblings. however, Norwegian authorities have consistently doubted his story, questioning his identity, age, and nationality. “People don’t understand what it’s like to live in this situation, to live so many years in uncertainty,” Kassembo stated. He vehemently refuses to return to Burundi, fearing for his life.
His legal battles have been exhaustive. Kassembo has lost appeals in both district and appellate courts,with rulings stating he is obligated to leave the country and has significantly violated the Immigration Act. Even the human Rights Court declined to hear his case.Despite these setbacks, a glimmer of hope remains as several political parties within the Storting, Norway’s parliament, explore potential political solutions.
A History of Rejection and Resilience
For years, authorities considered Kassembo “unreturnable” due to uncertainty surrounding his origins. The state alleged he fabricated his identity, age, and nationality, leaving them without a country to which he could be deported. Two years ago, Kassembo presented new documentation purportedly proving his Burundian identity and the tragic loss of his family, but this has not changed the authorities’ stance. He has been attempting to complete studies and driving lessons, but his precarious legal status prevents him from completing them. The recent documentation from the Burundian embassy in Berlin, which he believes confirms his identity and the tragic loss of his family, has failed to sway authorities.
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UNE) remains unconvinced. Hanne Bjerkan Johnsen, a unit manager at UNE, acknowledged the difficulty in verifying the authenticity of the documents, stating that “Burundi is a corrupt country, and it is easy to forge documents.” She further emphasized that Kassembo has not definitively proven his Burundian citizenship and is legally obligated to leave Norway. “UNE does not decide which country he travels to,” she added.
kassembo, now living in what he describes as a “voluntary prison” within the Herøy church, expresses his desperation.”The only hope now is the politicians.Now this must end. It’s heavy,and that’s enough,” he said. He dreams of returning to a normal life, specifically to the bird mountain Runde where he once worked as a photographer.
His case underscores the complex challenges inherent in asylum processes and the human cost of prolonged legal battles. As of mid-October 2024, the Borgarting Court of Appeal had rejected his appeal, following previous rulings by the Oslo District Court, the Supreme Court, and the Human Rights Court. The future remains uncertain for Suel Kassembo, but the growing political pressure suggests his case may yet find a resolution within the halls of the Storting.
Image of Suel Kassembo in Herøy church
Image of Lars Haltbrekken visiting Kassembo
Image of Per Vidar Kjølmoen
Image of Hanne Bjerkan Johnsen
Image of Kassembo dreaming of taking pictures of birds
