Home » Social Justice » Social Justice and Advocacy » What we've said » Release Ali Panah from prison

Call for Ali Panah to be released from Mt Eden Prison

The Hon David Cunliffe
Minister of Immigration
dcunliffe(at)ministers.govt.nz

The Prime Minister
pm(at)ministers.govt.nz

20th August 2007

Dear Ministers
I am appealing to you to use your discretion in the case of Ali Panah to issue him with a temporary visa, until such time as either he is accepted as a refugee or he is guaranteed safety in Iran.

As I am sure you know, Iranian Ali Panah arrived here several years ago and applied for refugee status. His application was declined and he was arrested 18 months ago and detained at Mt Eden Prison to be deported. However as a Christian convert (before he came to NZ) Ali Paneh’s life would be in danger if he were to return to Iran so he has refused to sign papers applying for an Iranian passport.

Ali is on the 33rd day of a hunger strike in protest at his detention without trial or charge for the past 18 months. He was transferred from Mt Eden prison to Auckland hospital last week. He is refusing all food as well as a drip and is taking water only. He is weak, becoming emaciated and confused.

The Statement of Religion Diversity promoted by this government is at pains to point out that no one should be discriminated against because of their religion.  This is right and just for all people in New Zealand.  To knowingly send this man back to a country that does not have such a high regard for human rights, that will probably execute him for apostasy, is to make a mockery of our newly won statement. We ask you to reconsider.

Ali has the strong support of his New Zealand employer, his Anglican vicar and fellow parishioners as well as the Iranian community in New Zealand.

As the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand, we support his appeal to stay in New Zealand, on the grounds of human rights and of compassion. 

Yours sincerely
Pamela Tankersley