Dying Ali Panah kept in handcuffs - Day 34...

Wednesday, 15 August 2007, 8:30 am
Press Release: Global Peace And Justice Auckland

Visitors to Ali Panah in Auckland hospital yesterday found him handcuffed to a guard despite being too weak to raise himself from bed. When this was challenged it turned out there was a “misunderstanding” between the guards and their supervisor.

This is another bizarre aspect of the inhumanity the New Zealand government has shown to this man who has been detained without charge or trial for the past 18 months and the relentless pressure he has faced from government officials.

Visitors yesterday found Ali weak and exhausted with dark rings around his eyes. Today is the 34th day of Ali’s hunger strike in protest at the government’s determination to deport him to Iran where his life is at risk.

Cunliffe attacks straw men
Yesterday Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe said the problem in Ali’s case was the Iranian government’s refusal to accept deportees without travel documents they have signed themselves.
THIS IS IRRELEVANT.

The problem is Cunliffe’s refusal to use his discretion under existing law to allow Ali Panah to remain in New Zealand until it is safe for him to return to Iran. This contrasts sharply with the government’s red carpet treatment for wealthy migrants and the welcome mat put out for white Zimbabwean farmers. No question of deporting them back to Zimbabwe.

Background
Ali is an Iranian who arrived here several years ago and applied for refugee status. His application was declined and he was arrested 18 months ago and detained at Mt Eden Prison to be deported. However it is not safe for him to return to Iran so he has refused to sign papers applying for an Iranian passport.
As a Christian convert (before he came to NZ) his life would be in danger. 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 is refusing to use his discretion under the Immigration Act to do this.

Hospital Protest
GPJA is organising a protest outside Auckland hospital for this Saturday at 12 noon to protest Ali’s situation.