Ali Reza Panah in hospital again - Day 26 of hunger strike

Iranian Hunger striker Ali Reza Panah was taken to hospital again today on the 26th day of his hunger strike.

Today’s hospital admission comes after he spent three days in hospital last week.

Friends and parishioners report he is getting physically weaker but remains strong in spirit and determined to continue the hunger strike.

Ali is due to appear in the North Shore District Court at 10am this Thursday.

Ali’s lawyers intend to request he be released on bail.

Background

Ali began this protest after more than 18 months detained in Mt Eden without charge or trial.

The government wants to deport him to Iran but his future there is uncertain to say the least. As an Anglican convert (before he arrived in New Zealand) several years ago it is not safe for him to return to Iran. Amnesty International has called for people in his situation to be given temporary visas till it is safe for them to return to Iran. However the New Zealand government turns a blind eye and continues this Guantanamo-type abuse of human rights.

Meanwhile Immigration Minister David Cunliffe hides behind a wall of silence.

GPJA is once more calling on the Minister to use his discretion under the Immigration Act to issue Ali with a temporary visa till the situation is safe for him to return to Iran.

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