Mark Smith, a barrister in the 5SAH Immigration Team, successfully appealed an asylum application based on the risk of gender-based honour violence in Pakistan. The applicant had genuine fears for her life after entering a love marriage without her parents' blessing. She had received death threats from her family and a fatwa had been issued against her. The key issue was whether she could reasonably be expected to relocate within Pakistan.
Mark persuasively argued that a combination of new Pakistani legislation and police corruption would mean she could be easily traced by her family and, even if she was not traced, it would be unduly harsh for her to live in isolation and constant fear of discovery.
Mark was instructed by Perera & Co.
Mark is a barrister specialising in crime, extradition, family and civil work. He appeared regularly in the High Court (Admin) in relation to extradition appeals, as well as in criminal matters in the Crown Court for both the prosecution and defence. He is also experienced in proceeds of crime and prison proceedings. Mark accepts instructions in a wide range of civil proceedings, including judicial review, immigration, property, personal injury and general contract matters. Mark is currently working on the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
