What Was Zaoui Doing Here To Begin With?

Wednesday 31 Mar 2004 Ken Shirley Press Releases -- Foreign Affairs & Defence

It is clear that the High Court had no alternative other than to stand down Inspector General of Intelligence and Security Laurie Greig for his comments showing apparent bias against Ahmed Zaoui, ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader Ken Shirley said today.

"Once a matter is before the courts, we must always follow due process and maintain high standards. But the real issue is: why was this matter before the courts in the first place?

"It is a privilege - not a right - for a foreigner to be granted refugee or residency status in New Zealand. There is sufficient doubt surrounding Zaoui to suggest he should have been denied entry in the first place. The courts should never have been placed in the position that they have been," Mr Shirley said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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