David Cameron’s Afghan translator is told he and his family MAY move to the UK, despite being fired for threatening a female agent
- The Afghan man, known as Shaffy, translated for top officials, including Cameron
- He was fired ten years ago amid allegations of threats against a female British officer
- As a result, he was ineligible for relocation when the Western troops withdrew
- That decision has now been reversed after further discussions on the case
Shaffy teams up with David Cameron
David CameronThe former Afghan translator wept with joy yesterday after being told he and his family can finally start a new life in the UK.
Despite having spent six years with the British Army – three on the front lines and three with senior officers and visiting politicians such as Mr Cameron – the man known as Shaffy was refused move to Britain due to his dismissal due to allegations of misconduct.
But the 33-year-old father of five is now allowed to settle in the UK after lawyers push for a judicial review, leading to the ex-translator – twice injured by Taliban bombs – gain refuge under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Program (ARAP).
The Daily Mail has fought for Afghan translators who helped Britain’s war effort before being left to the Taliban.
Shaffy was fired in 2013 for what Defense Department officials described as serious offenses centered on allegations of threats against a female officer.
But after months of discussion about the case and his dismissal, including with the woman involved, he has now received an offer of reassignment.
Shaffy said: ‘It was 3:15 am when I opened the e-mail from the Department of Defense stating that I was eligible for reassignment. The news was great. There were many tears of happiness and relief.
“From the day I appeared on Afghan and international television alongside David Cameron, I became a valued target for the Taliban.
“They told me I was an ‘infidel spy’ because I stood next to Mr Cameron to help the British as they killed their fighters and that I would die because of it.”
He added: ‘I want to thank the British government, my lawyers, campaigners and people like the Daily Mail who believed in me.’
Retired Major General Charlie Herbert, who took up the case, said, “I’m absolutely delighted that Shaffy is finally eligible.”