14 July 2004

Zaoui – New Zealand’s Million Dollar Terrorist

Convicted Terrorist Ahmed Zaoui’s fight to stay in the country has now cost taxpayers more than $900,000 said New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“The figure does not include costs incurred by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, which would bring the total cost to well over a million dollars,” said Mr Peters

Immigration Minister Paul Swain released the figures on 9 July in response to questions from Mr Peters in the House last month.

“The total figure of $882,950.57 includes Crown Law, legal aid, Department of Labour, Department of Corrections and refugee status claim costs, plus an estimated $30,000 - $40,000 for High Court proceedings, bringing the figure to over $900,000.

“All of these costs are ongoing and we will be keeping the public informed on a monthly basis as the figures become available,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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