Zaoui suffering stress, says report

By HELEN TUNNAH deputy political editor

A Department of Corrections report on Ahmed Zaoui's mental health says the jailed asylum seeker is suffering chronic stress and should be put into a more "open" environment.

The report by a consultant clinical psychologist who works for the department was given to the Herald a day after Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel again refused to release Mr Zaoui from prison.

Mr Zaoui, declared a genuine refugee by the Refugee Status Appeals Authority, has been in prison for 14 months after the SIS claimed he was a threat to national security. He has not been charged with any offence.

Last night Government MP Matt Robson said the Zaoui affair was "a very big stain" on the achievements of the coalition Government.

"I find it difficult to accept that a progressive left-wing Government would act in this way," he told the Herald. "The only reason he's staying in prison is a face-saving exercise for [Cabinet] ministers."

The latest psychological assessment comes as the Government confirmed it would appeal against a December court decision which ruled New Zealand's human rights obligations had to be considered when a review of Mr Zaoui's status was decided.

It is not appealing against the decision that Mr Zaoui be given a summary of allegations against him.

The Government has previously criticised Mr Zaoui's lawyers for lodging court proceedings, saying that only delays his release.

Mr Zaoui must be held in detention because a national security risk certificate labelling him a threat was issued last year. Although that certificate could be lifted by the Government, it has chosen not to.

Mr Zaoui was held in solitary confinement at the maximum security Auckland Prison for almost 11 months until he was moved to Auckland Central Remand Prison at Mt Eden in October.

A psychological assessment of him released by his lawyers last year also said he was suffering mentally.

The Department of Corrections report was signed off by Ronnie Zuessman on January 13.

The Herald does not have the full report, but its recommendations said the findings were consistent with previous assessments.

A "concordance of findings" shows Mr Zaoui's mental health "exhibits significant features of chronic post-traumatic stress".

"The effects of continued imprisonment are negatively impacting upon Mr Zaoui's mental health and functioning, and do not permit progress in therapeutically working through his issues."

The report says there is no indication of criminal history or likelihood of "interpersonal violence".

"Therefore ... it would be recommended that Mr Zaoui be considered for placement in a less restrictive, more open environment."

It also recommends he be encouraged to exercise and be exposed to daylight.

By law, Mr Zaoui must be held in detention.

However, the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre, where Mr Zaoui's lawyers asked that he be moved to, is commonly used as a detention centre for asylum seekers.

Mr Robson said ministers also had options, such as home detention, which could be considered.

He said there was no justification for keeping Mr Zaoui in jail.

"The allegations against him are so weak. This man should have justice."

A spokeswoman for Corrections Minister Paul Swain said he had not seen the department's assessment, as he did not see information relating to individuals.

He has ministerial discretion which could allow him to release Mr Zaoui from prison, but has yet to make a decision.

Lianne Dalziel said last night through a spokeswoman that legal advice indicated it was not possible for Mr Zaoui to be moved to Mangere. Dr Zuessman could not be contacted.

Herald Feature: Ahmed Zaoui, parliamentarian in prison

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