Ahmed Zaoui Prepares To Celebrate 100 Days Bail

Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui will this evening celebrate his 100th day on bail by hosting a dinner for 100 supporters and friends.

Mr Zaoui was released on bail by the New Zealand Supreme Court in December and has been living at Auckland's Dominican Priory, studying English, exploring the Auckland region and preparing for the next step in his pursuit to become free. His case is again scheduled to be heard in the Supreme Court in April.

Ahmed Zaoui was bailed to Auckland's Dominican Priory in December 2004.

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service issued a security risk certificate against Mr Zaoui in March 2003. In April, the Supreme Court will consider whether a risk certificate holder ought to have his or her human rights considered during review of a SIS risk certificate, or whether human rights ought to be considered by a Minister of Immigration once a review has concluded (should that review support the SIS's decision to issue a risk certificate).

The Algerian military regime had sentenced Mr Zaoui to death. The death sentence followed virtual civil war where an estimated 150,000 people were killed by Algerian security groups, the military and terror organisations like the GIA.

Mr Zaoui had fled Algeria after being elected as a member of the FIS party which won the first round of elections in 1991. The military overthrew the elections, arrested and killed members of the FIS and its supporters.

He fears that should he be deported to Algeria he will be victimised and killed. His wife and sons are currently hiding in Malaysia.

Ahmed Zaoui was detained without charge in New Zealand prisons for two years - including ten months in solitary confinement.

© Scoop Media