11 March 2005

Tony Ryall MP - National Party Police Spokesman

Independent inquiry needed in Iraqi refugee case

National Party Law and Order spokesman Tony Ryall is calling for an independent inquiry into the chain of incompetence that allowed a multiple rapist to offend again.

"Women of New Zealand deserve better service and they deserve to feel safe. Labour is not providing that."

Mr Ryall is commenting after a sentence of preventive detention was handed down to Iraqi refugee Akeel Hassan Abbas Al Baiiaty. He has been convicted of the brutal rape of a young woman last February.

"The handling of this dangerous criminal after being released from prison has been a monumental disgrace.

“A full inquiry is necessary to ensure this doesn't happen again. Another departmental whitewash will not do.

"It astounds me that this man was allowed to move into a hostel while on parole for vicious and violent offences.

"He then goes missing, and ends up in jail after brutally raping another woman.

"At a time when women are reluctant to place their safety in the hands of our 111 system, our Corrections system is also failing them by allowing this to happen.

"Mr Swain must use all his powers as Minister of Immigration to make sure that this man is eventually deported from New Zealand. If he cannot respect our laws he does not deserve to stay once he has served his sentence.

"Mr Swain must also ensure that he brings his other department - Corrections - into order, to ensure dangerous criminals released on parole are adequately monitored,” says Mr Ryall.

National has a policy to abolish parole for violent and repeat offenders.

ENDS

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