For immediate release September 28

New legal submissions filed for Ali Panah

The lawyers acting for Ali Panah, the Iranian asylum seeker, are today sending their submissions on his behalf to the Minister of Immigration, The Hon David Cunliffe.

Grant Illingworth QC and Heval Hylan agreed to take up Ali’s case as part of an arrangement brokered by the Anglican Church whereby Ali agreed to end his 53-day fast in Auckland Central Remand Prison.

Ali, who converted to Christianity from Islam, has been issued with a removal notice – which is still in force – and faces deportation to Iran, where he is likely to be in grave danger.

Ali was released from prison into the care of his Vicar, The Rev Clive Sperring and his family, on Sept 3. In the intervening three weeks, Mr Illingworth and Mr Hylan have undertaken an extensive review of Ali’s case. As Ali’s improving health has permitted, they have also had discussions with him.

Mr Illingworth and Mr Hylan have reviewed all the official decisions that have been made to date concerning Ali Panah and have gathered a substantial amount of fresh evidence concerning:

- the authenticity of Ali’s conversion; and

- the current situation in Iran for Muslims who convert to Christianity.

At least until the Minister of Immigration has had time to consider the submissions, they will not be made public and Ali Panah has been advised not to make any public statements or give interviews in the meantime.

Ali is continuing his return to health. He has now on a normal diet, and is able to walk. He receives visits from friends and has resumed going to church and taking part in Bible studies. He greatly appreciates the fact that many New Zealanders are continuing to pray for him and show their support in a variety of ways.

ENDS

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