Media statement
For immediate release
Monday, 5 April 2004

Alexander's 'stunning resolution' to Zaoui debacle

United Future MP, Marc Alexander, today announced what he modestly described as a 'brilliantly stunning' solution to the drawn-out and expensive Ahmed Zaoui saga.

"Ever since this man turned up in New Zealand with his forged passport and multiple criminal convictions overseas, the New Zealand taxpayer has been forking out huge sums in prison costs and legal aid," he said.

"Yet it is apparent that Mr Zaoui has vocal supporters who want to see him freed.

"Let them therefore put their money where their mouth is. I propose that Mr Zaoui be freed in the 24/7 custody of MP's Keith Locke and Matt Robson, who will guarantee to be with him all the time and who will meet his accommodation, food and legal costs, while he is in their care.

"They can also guarantee to meet his airfares, should the legal system decide he has to leave New Zealand, although after a few days of hearing from Messrs Locke and Robson about the evils of capitalism and the rights of the down-trodden international proletariat, Mr Zaoui may clamour for a ticket out of here ASAP.

"The beauty of this system is that the taxpayer will be freed of an unwanted burden, while Mr Zaoui's supporters will be able to show their support in a real and practical way.," said Mr Alexander.

Ends

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>