Opinion ID: 816245
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: IJ's Credibility Findings

Text: An IJ denied Fofana's applications based on an adverse credibility finding. In its order, the IJ painstakingly highlighted the inconsistencies and implausibilities in Fofana's applications, testimony, and hearing exhibits. Most prevalent of the inconsistencies were Fofana's alleged arrest dates and detentions. Fofana claimed he was arrested on April 14, 2002, held for two weeks, and that he sought a physician's care immediately upon release. Yet, the physician's Forensic Report Fofana submitted in support of his claim is dated May 22, 2002, nearly one month after Fofana's alleged release. When this particular discrepancy was brought to Fofana's attention, he corrected his prior testimony, explaining with difficulty that he saw one physician the date of his release (who was not actually a licensed medical doctor) and then visited a different doctor. Fofana returned to the second doctor to receive a letter confirming his treatment, which is the Forensic Report submitted to the IJ. Additionally, the report does not acknowledge that Fofana was beaten at the hands of security officers, as Fofana alleged before the IJ. The doctor's report notes that Fofana was the victim of voluntary or involuntary assault and battery, and was seemingly drafted for submission to the police, as it states Hoping you good reception Mr. the Police -3- Captain with all the best regards. Fofana testified that he lied to the doctor about the source of his injuries. The IJ concluded that Fofana's answers defied logic as to the timing and reasoning behind Fofana's decision to obtain this medical report. Further, Fofana testified with certainty that the June 24, 2002, arrest occurred as a result of, and immediately following, the national presidential referendum. However, multiple human rights reports and other such governmental reports place the referendum in 2001, not 2002. When confronted with this discrepancy, Fofana would not confirm the date of the referendum and only reiterated that he was arrested on June 24, 2002. Finally, in addition to other discrepancies recognized by the IJ, the IJ noted that Fofana's demeanor at the hearing in no way bolstered his credibility: To the contrary, [Fofana's] demeanor created little confidence in the overall veracity of his claims. Throughout his November 2006 hearing, the respondent often provided evasive answers [that] failed to answer very simple questions. When questioned by the Department, the respondent often became argumentative. Additionally, the IJ noted that Fofana's testimony lacked sufficient detail in many key areas. Following the IJ's denial, Fofana appealed to the BIA, which likewise dismissed his appeal.