Time to apply the rule of law in Zaoui case

“Hon Lianne Dalziel in opposition warned that National’s amendments to security legislation would breach natural justice. With the Zaoui case that breach has occurred on her watch,” said Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive deputy leader.

“From imprisonment in Paremoremo to facing unknown allegations, Mr. Zaoui has not been afforded the protection of the rule of law.

“Moreover the two key figures in determining his fate, Inspector General Laurie Grieg and Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel should now step aside from this case so that their can be public confidence in the process. Attorney-General Margaret Wilson and another High Court judge should take over the responsibilities of the Zaoui case.

“Ahmed Zaoui should be released from prison. He should be given an accurate summary of the allegations he faces so that he is not, in the words of Lianne Dalziel in opposition, ‘fighting windmills.’

“I will be approaching my coalition justice counterpart, Hon Phil Goff, to discuss our coalition government amending this legislation so that natural justice can be complied with.

“When people ask me why someone who is ‘not one of us’ should be able to ask for the rule of law to apply, the answer is simple: The law either protects everyone, or it protects no-one. That is as true today for Ahmed Zaoui as it was for 500 years ago for Sir Thomas More when he insisted that the law apply equally to Henry VIII as to a commoner,” said Matt Robson.

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