Hayrapetyan

MEMORANDUM **

Susanna Hayrapetyan, a native and citizen of Armenia, petitions for review of the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) affirming without opinion the Immigration Judge’s denial of her applications for asylum, withholding of deportation and relief under the Convention Against Torture. Hayrapetyan contends she was beaten by Armenian police because of her affiliation with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Immigration Judge (“IJ”) determined that Hayrapetyan was not credible.

We review the IJ’s decision when it is adopted by the BIA. Gui v. INS, 280 F.3d 1217, 1225 (9th Cir.2002). A finding of adverse credibility is reviewed under the substantial evidence standard. Id. Although this standard is deferential, the IJ must nonetheless provide specific and cogent reasons to support the finding. Id. The IJ’s decision was specifically and cogently articulated and was amply supported by substantial evidence. We therefore deny the petition for review.

A key issue in the proceedings before the IJ was the sincerity of Hayrapetyan’s affiliation with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. *627 Hayrapetyan’s only evidence to corroborate that she was indeed a Jehovah’s Witness was a…