Public Lecture by Ahmed Zaoui Wednesday 21st Sept

Salaam (peace) is at the core of Islam. The Qu'ran is replete with exhortations to non-violence over violence, and forgiveness over retribution. The life and actions of the Prophet Mohammed are an example of the value in which Islam holds peace. The challenge of transforming precepts into contextually relevant practices can be met, it is argued, by a commitment to dialogue, and education about the essential principles of Islam.

Ahmed Zaoui has become a familiar name to many New Zealanders. He hit media headlines for being the first person in this country to be detained without charge for almost two years. Mr Zaoui was initially accused of having links to an armed Algerian group, however, the Refugee Status Appeals Authority, a world-respected independent tribunal, cleared his name and found Mr Zaoui deserving of refugee status in their most extensive investigation to date. However, Mr Zaoui's fate remains undetermined as the government still refuses to release the secret information on his alleged connections.

In Algeria, Zaoui was an Imam (priest) and an academic who specialized in Comparative Religious Studies. Currently, he is residing on bail with the Dominican Friars. This has afforded him the opportunity to continue his work, which focuses on how inter-faith communications can be used as a vehicle to promote justice and human rights.

Date: Wednesday 21st September
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: B28 (the lecture theatre underneath the Library), University of Auckland, Princes St.

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