Scroobal posted :
Heard that his lawyer is a specialist, well regarded and well
connected and she is doing it for free. The NGO is also highly
influential in the States. Apparently he was well briefed and told
specifically to land in Chicago and interestingly the lawyer is
based close to Washington and the NGO in NY with nothing in
Chicago.
It is also believed that without Amos' knowledge and for the
build of his case and for his own good, the NGO anonymously tipped
off the authorities of his arrival. On arrival he was escorted to
an interview room and his phone and documents searched.
The reason for the tip-off is based on the notion that Amos in
temporary detention helps to drive much needed publicity and to
socialise his plight as persecuted victim with the local
authorities. He turning up and comfortably accommodated with
friends and contact and then applying for asylum does not generate
much publicity. Already no less than the NY Times has interviewed
Amos and the article is highly favourable to his cause. He has
expressed regret for some of his past postings.
I also heard that Melissa Chen and her NGO ( not the NGO that is
handling his case) which is an anti-religious body is being used as
convenient conduit but has no clue what is happening behind the
scenes.
The speculation is that Chicago was chosen as there are
favourable contacts whose case roster is known.
Looks like his chances are much better than the rest of the
thousand of cases lodged with the US authorities.
