Ali Panah is weak and is becoming emaciated and confused. It is now day 32 of his hunger strike. He was transferred to Auckland hospital last week where prison authorities maintain his detention without charge or trial.

Global Peace and Justice Auckland has emailed all MPs to request they act urgently to require Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe to issue a temporary visa to Ali to remain in New Zealand until it is safe for him to return to Iran. Amnesty International recommends this course of action. Anything less is unacceptable.

In the meantime prison authorities have put every possible obstacle in the way of those requesting to visit Ali. On Thursday last week Ali’s Anglican vicar was refused admission to see him on a contrived pretext despite having visited him regularly in jail over the previous 18 months.

Background:

Ali is an Iranian who has been held in detention without charge or trial for the past 18 months after his application for refugee status was declined. The government wants to deport him despite knowing he faces grave danger if he is returned to Iran. Ali has been on hunger strike since his court appearance on 12 July when once more he was refused bail and his on-going incarceration was rubber-stamped by the District Court.

At a bedside court hearing last Wednesday immigration officials agreed to allow bail but only if Ali agreed to leave the country within 6 weeks – an impossible request. Ali continues to be treated without dignity or respect.

Another Iranian, Amir Mohebbi, has been detained in Mt Eden prison for more than 3 ½ years without trial. He has a high court hearing on 23 August which we hope will result in his release.

ENDS

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