Taken away, deported and yet back in Salzburg! Table tennis talent Huseyn (14) experienced an emotional rollercoaster ride – with a happy ending! Family and friends have been fighting for months for his return.
The embrace was intimate, warm and seemed infinitely distant a few months ago. Huseyn Salimov is back on home soil. On Tuesday afternoon, the 14-year-old landed at Vienna-Schwechat Airport and fell into the arms of his companion Walter Windischbauer. “I am so grateful to be here again,” the Azerbaijan resident could hardly believe his happiness.
We went back to Salzburg by car. Back to the place that was his new home until February 12, 2022 – before the police arrested him and his family. Deportation to Azerbaijan with no prospect of return!
Since then, friends and companions have fought tenaciously to bring Huseyn home to Salzburg – the “Krone” reported several times. A first stage victory: in the summer of 2022, the Constitutional Court overturned the decision of the Federal Administrative Court rejecting previous applications for asylum and humanitarian residence. After much back and forth, Huseyn was able to return to Salzburg on a student visa.
The confirmation for this came on Monday. Only 24 hours later he landed on Austrian soil. “I’m so happy,” he says.
Huseyn is staying with a host family
Huseyn and his family came to Salzburg in 2016. They integrated as best they could. The mother diligently attended German courses. Sohnemann Huseyn attended Campus Mirabell High School and is a gifted table tennis player. “He is one of our greatest talents,” said Walter Windischbauer, Deputy Chairman of UTTC Salzburg. He was particularly concerned about the return of his protégé. His wife taught Huseyn German over the internet last year.
Together they found a host family for the youngster in Salzburg. Roswitha and Franz Kelnreiter take Huseyn into their home.
After the Easter holidays, the 14-year-old returns to his old class. Today, Wednesday, the table tennis training starts again. “I want to learn a lot and train a lot,” says the boy happily.
The 14-year-old’s relief at the return is mixed with sadness. “My mother wasn’t allowed to come.” She still has an entry ban for Austria. “I would like to visit them again by the summer at the latest,” Huseyn hopes.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
