Woman who fled rape and torture in DRC wins UK citizenship case after Home Office U-turn

The woman fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo 18 years ago. Recognised as a refugee, she was granted indefinite leave to remain six years later, her lawyer said. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

A woman who fled rape and torture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 18 years ago and was denied British citizenship because she entered the UK illegally has won her case after a government U-turn.

It is thought to be the first victory under a new policy whereby citizenship applications from people such as refugees who enter the UK illegally will normally be refused. She successfully challenged the refusal in a high court case.