Zaoui case a joint frame-up, says MP

Progressive MP Matt Robson says the handling of Algerian asylum seeker Ahmed Zaoui has highlighted serious shortcomings in how such cases are dealt with.

He said in Nelson that there needed to be a review of the processes relating to asylum seekers.

"I think the role of the Inspector-General needs to be looked at. To have got to the stage where those who the Security Intelligence Service allege to be terrorists are not entitled to have a summary of allegations is an incredible position.

"We have to ask ourselves as a democracy, do we defend ourselves by destroying the basic democratic principles that we feel terrorism will undermine?

"I don't think New Zealanders want to succumb to that hysteria."

Mr Robson was in Nelson to speak at a public meeting on the Zaoui issue, organised by Amnesty International.

He said he had repeatedly spoken out about the Zaoui case because he had looked into it and concluded that there was no evidence of wrongdoing against Mr Zaoui.

"I think it's a co-ordinated frame-up of the state agencies involved," he said.

He said the fact that the laws of natural justice had not been applied to Mr Zaoui as they would to anyone else alleged to have committed a crime was a serious concern.

In any other situation, someone alleged to have committed a crime who pleaded not guilty would be allowed to defend himself.

"That hasn't happened in this case."

He said Mr Zaoui should be given a proper hearing, with every bit of evidence against him provided to him and his lawyers so they could respond. He should also be released from prison in the meantime.

Mr Zaoui has been in prison without charge for 19 months since he arrived in New Zealand with false documents and sought asylum.

- NZPA

Herald Feature: Ahmed Zaoui, parliamentarian in prison

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