Maori Party Refers Case of Political Protection
Maori Party Refers Case of Political Protection to Winston Peters
Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party
Thursday 2 November 2006
Maori Party co-leader, Tariana Turia, spoke out today about a case that had been presented to her about Mr Jia Jia, a Chinese National deported to Hong Kong when seeking political protection in Taiwan.
Mr Jia Jia is the general secretary of the China Shanxi Science and Technology Experts’ Association, the director of the National Experts Network Centre and the leader of the Strategy team for the Chinese Experts Committee.
“I was approached by his son, Kuo Jia, who is studying English in Christchurch” said Mrs Turia. “Kuo Jia spoke of the family’s wish for his father to be protected and returned to New Zealand. It appears that Mr Jia Jia’s visa expires today (2 November), and he will be required to return to mainland China”.
“As I understand his situation, Mr Jia Jia has spoken out publically about the activities and statements of the Chinese Communist Party” said Mrs Turia. “Because of his action in doing so, his son has advised me that he fears the repercussions he may suffer – they are anxious he may be served a prison sentence, or even the death penalty”.
“I advised Kuo Jia that I would be approaching the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and passing on his concerns directly to him”.
“It is always difficult in situations such as this, without having the full background, and when the authority for decisions clearly rests with outside jurisdictions” said Mrs Turia. “These are the issues that the Minister must now turn to”.
ends