Religions join to support Zaoui

By PHILIP ENGLISH

Worshippers at a Catholic church and a mosque in Ponsonby yesterday marked Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui's 500 days in prison without charge with prayers and a candle-lighting ceremony.

The mosque congregation of about 250 Muslims and other New Zealanders heard that Mr Zaoui had been held in prison for security reasons since his arrival in New Zealand in December 2002.

Javed Khan, the president of the Federation of Islamic Associations, said Mr Zaoui was a victim of ignorance.

But he created a commotion when he asked why terrorists were described in the Western media as Islamics or Muslims.

"Because they are," somebody replied. The interruption prompted another person in the congregation to say the reply was out of order.

Afterwards, across the road in the Vermont St Catholic church, Bishop Robin Leamy, the assistant Catholic Bishop of Auckland, said he became involved after colleagues in Europe and Algeria described Mr Zaoui as a man of peace and harmony.

"Another reason I became involved is that I believe in justice ... He needs and deserves the right to a fair trial."

A protest sign placed over an open doorway at Mt Eden Prison shortly after noon yesterday was ripped down by prison officers after about 30 minutes.

Herald Feature: Ahmed Zaoui, parliamentarian in prison

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