Legal action over judges’ visa crisis

THE Government is facing embarrassing legal action after it rejected visa applications from 35 Afghan judges who are being hunted by the Taliban.

The judges, most of whom are women, are currently in hiding in safe houses – and many are being tracked by Taliban and Islamic State extremists they personally had sent to jail.

They did this as part of efforts by the military coalition – including Britain – to

build a new Afghan state with functioning judiciary. But, farcically, the UK Government has refused multiple applications for visas which would allow them to flee to Britain.

Leading law firm Mishcon de Reya will apply for a judicial review of the Government’s decision, with papers due to be lodged today.

Solicitor Maria Patsalos said the judges are fearing for their lives and described the delays as ‘morally abhorrent’.

But a Government spokesman said all relocation applications are being considered ‘in line with the eligibility criteria’.