Teenage victim of asylum scandal faces deportation

The move comes as the government prepares to deport hundreds of Zimbabweans in anticipation of winning a crucial test case next month that would allow it to resume deportations. The government is also sending letters to hundreds of Zimbabwean asylum-seekers telling them they should consider returning home - despite the near collapse of the country's economic and political stability and increasing state-sponsored violence.

The 19-year-old, known only as 'Tanya', found out last month that her claim for asylum has been rejected. She says she 'would rather die' than return to her home country, which has been plagued by violence as the Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, battles to exert his authority and see off rival political factions.

Last year Tanya was at the centre of the Observer investigation that resulted in the Home Office minister, Tony McNulty, being moved from his post. The exposé revealed allegations that officials in the Immigration Service were offering to help asylum seekers with their applications to remain in the UK in return for sex. One official was sacked from his job and is now the subject of a criminal investigation. Other examples of serious malpractice came to light following the scandal.

The move to deport Tanya was condemned by MPs last night. Her supporters fear for her safety because she claims to have been raped by a senior ally of the Mugabe regime. In addition she was married to a member of the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change.

'I'm ashamed by the callous attitude of the Home Office,' said Kate Hoey, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on Zimbabwe. 'What message does this send to vulnerable women around the world, let alone in Zimbabwe, about attitudes to victims of sexual abuse in the UK?'

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http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2047688,00.html