How ASIO’s pursuit of people smugglers really works

<p>In 1999, Ali Jafari fled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and was resettled as a refugee in Australia. But then, while visiting Pakistan, his permanent residency was suddenly cancelled. Now, 12 years later, he&rsquo;s still stranded &ndash; separated from his family and fighting ASIO&rsquo;s allegations that he is a people smuggler.</p> <p>In court, Jafari&rsquo;s family and legal team are up against it. They have discovered that the evidence behind his adverse security assessment is deemed confidential and will only be presented in a closed hearing &ndash; without their presence.</p> <p>It&rsquo;s an example of how&nbsp; the national security apparatus is increasingly being used to pursue suspected people smugglers, often at the expense of foundational principles of justice.</p> <p>Today, journalist and contributor to&nbsp;<em>The Saturday Paper</em> Mark Isaacs on the Jafari family&rsquo;s search for answers and why ASIO refuses to provide them.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Journalist and contributor to <em>The Saturday Paper</em>, Mark Isaacs.</p> <p><strong>Photo:&nbsp;</strong>AFP Photo / Basarnas</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>