Asylum-seeker back in hospital on day 51 of hunger strike

An asylum-seeker on the 51st day of a hunger strike against deportation to Iran is back in Auckland Hospital.

Ali Panah has been detained in Mt Eden prison for more than a year and a half but has grown increasing weak from his protest action and is now being treated in hospital. Supporters say he has been accepting liquid mineral supplements on the advice of his doctors but is refusing solid food. They say he remains in strong spirits.

Mr Panah will not sign deportation orders, saying he would face death if he was returned to Iran. His supporters say he converted to Christianity when in South Korea and sent a video of his baptism to his mother. The video was apparently intercepted by Iranian customs officials and referred to the authorities. In his absence, he was sentenced to death.

Mr Panah's supporters want the government to issue a temporary visa until it is safe for him to return to Iran.

- NEWSTALK ZB