‘I never felt alone’: refugee Mostafa Azimitabar on justice, Jimmy Barnes and freedom after eight years

The Kurdish refugee – widely known as Moz Azimi – is adjusting to liberty after 2,737 days in detention, starting with ‘the most Aussie experience I could ever imagine’

On his second day of freedom in Australia, at the start of the Australia Day weekend, Mostafa Azimitabar went to a Jimmy Barnes concert, which he called “the most Aussie experience I could ever imagine”.

A member of Iran’s Kurdish minority who fled racist repression in his homeland to seek sanctuary in a safe country, Azimitabar spent 2,737 days detained by Australia.

Related: Peter Dutton says refugees released from Melbourne hotel detention to save money

This is the most beautiful moment of my life and one that I would like to share with you all. After 2,737 days locked up in detention – I am free.
Thank you to all of the amazing people who helped me to stay strong.#GameOver pic.twitter.com/Y5HjFrN9U0

48 hours after eight years in detention, I am here in the Yarra Valley, at a Jimmy Barnes concert. The most Aussie experience I could ever imagine. I am so deeply grateful to Jimmy and the Barnes family for the invitation.
#GameOver pic.twitter.com/PqNmevcGSy

I believe the power of the people can crumble the walls of oppression and my freedom is proof.

Related: Fazel Chegeni wanted ‘nothing but peace’. Instead he died alone in Australia’s island prison

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This post was originally published on Human rights | The Guardian.