Thursday 7 July

Zaoui to Deliver Lecture in Wellington Today

Ahmed Zaoui to Deliver a Lecture on the Dangers of Religious Extremism Victoria University, Thursday 7 July, 12pm

The former Algerian MP and academic Ahmed Zaoui will be in Wellington on Thursday July 7 to deliver a lecture in the Council Chamber, Hunter Building, Victoria University, at 12 noon. Mr Zaoui's topic will be The Roots of Religious Extremism and Our Response.

According to Mr Zaoui, any meaningful attempt to address the violence endorsed and enacted by religious extremists must involve a commitment to democracy and dialogue. "At its essence, Islam promotes plurality and dialogue...it is the politics of religion rather than faith itself that commonly acts as a divisive force in society, and it has been the imbuing of political action with the certainties of faith that is the source of conflict. Thus...a commitment to dialogue and democratisation must be central to any solution. "

Mr Zaoui's lecture is being co-sponsored by Professor Paul Morris (School of Art History, Classics, and Religious Studies) and by Professor Ralph Pettman (School of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and International Relations), Victoria University of Wellington. New Zealand Sign Language interpreters will be provided for the event.

Book Signing, Unity Books, 3pm

At Unity books (Willis street) at 3pm, Mr Zaoui will also be signing copies for sale of the book that incorporates the Refugee Status Appeals Authority decision granting him refugee protection in New Zealand.

Sight Seeing

Following the book signing (around 3.30 - 3.45), Mr Zaoui will be taken on a sightseeing trip around the capital, beginning with his long desired trip on Wellington's famous cable car.

Mr Zaoui will be available for interviews.

CONTACT:

Wellington Human Rights Collective whrc.volunteers@gmail.com 021 293 8412

ENDS

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