3 September 2007

Media Release:
Cunliffe abuses democracy
Day 53 of Ali Panah’s hunger strike

It is an abuse of democracy for Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe to claim confidentiality as an excuse for refusing to talk publicly about the case of Iranian hunger striker Ali Panah. Ali is on Day 53 of his “fast” and we understand is now declining to take the liquid mineral supplements strongly recommended by his doctors to prevent long term damage to his body.

Previously the government has tried to discredit Ali by saying he is not a true Christian convert. Ali is a committed Christian as attested by his church vicar, his archbishop and parishioners.

Background
Ali is an Iranian who arrived here several years ago and applied for refugee status. He had converted to Christianity when in South Korea and sent a video of his baptism to his mother. The video was intercepted by Iranian customs and referred to Iranian authorities. In his absence he was sentenced to death for apostasy (conversion from Islam to Christianity). On his return to Iran he will be able to challenge the sentence but at best his life is at threat should Cunliffe force his return to Iran. Ali was arrested 20 months ago and detained at Mt Eden Prison to be deported. However for his own safety he has refused to sign papers applying for an Iranian passport.

Ali has the strong support of his New Zealand employer, his Anglican vicar and fellow parishioners as well as the Iranian community in New Zealand.

Amnesty International says that in cases like this the government should issue a temporary visa until it is safe for Ali to return to Iran. Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe has so far refused to use his discretion under the Immigration Act to do this.

GPJA is planning further protest outside the prison (or hospital) at 1pm next Saturday.

ENDS

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