Wed, 8 Dec 2004

“When I think back to the ten and a half months in that prison (Paremoremo), I remember the days that were dead, full of darkness and silence. I could not see the sun, nor the stars and I almost forgot about the moon. I tasted different types of suffering which I did not know before. It was days and nights of empty everything. Nothing was with me except my belief in our God. I felt as if this ten and a half months was a page ripped from the book of my life.” Ahmed Zaoui – 22 June 2004 affidavit to the High Court of New Zealand.

Despite being granted refugee status, Ahmed Zaoui has been issued with a security risk certificate and imprisoned on the basis that he may be a threat to national security.

Mr Zaoui’s bail application is being heard by our Supreme Court on Thursday 9 December 2004 because it is concerned that Mr Zaoui has been imprisoned for two years without any charges being laid against him.

“In spite of an orchestrated campaign by the Security Intelligence Service (SIS) alleging that he may have terrorist links, the Court has not received any written submissions opposing Mr Zaoui’s bail. The “evidence” that the SIS have released to Mr Zaoui’s lawyers has been discredited and reveals a lack of analysis and objectivity when dealing with the other secret organisations such as the Algerian Secret Service”, said spokesperson Moana Cole.

“Most of the correspondence received by Ahmed Zaoui is from Christchurch. We want Mr Zaoui, his legal team and all New Zealanders to know that he has our continued support. The treatment of Mr Zaoui by our government constitutes one of New Zealand’s greatest travesty’s of justice”.

“The release of Ahmed Zaoui from prison will be celebrated in Christchurch. But there is still a long way to go. The people of Christchurch will continue to actively campaign for Mr Zaoui until his name is cleared and he is re-united with his family”.

“Mr Zaoui is a man of peace and justice and is certainly a gift to the New Zealand people”.

When: Thursday, 9 December at 12 midday Where: Cathedral Square What: Rally and a random jury of Christchurch people who will hold placards indicating their verdict as to whether Mr Zaoui should be released on bail. Why: Ahmed Zaoui’s bail application is being heard in the Supreme Court in Wellington. We want to demonstrate the support he has in Christchurch.

ENDS

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