National calls for investigation into refugee suicide

National Party Immigration spokesman Tony Ryall is calling for an independent investigation into the suicide of an Iraqi refugee outside the Mangere Refugee Centre earlier this month.

It was reported that Ali Akbar Rassoul poured petrol over his body and set himself alight on July 15 in front of residents in the carpark of the Mangere Refugee Centre. A report also suggests that details of the suicide were hushed-up.

"The Immigration Service has become so obsessed with secrecy and protecting the Government that they apparently tried to cover up someone burning themselves to death outside one of their facilities,” says Mr Ryall.

"This department is a complete shambles and this latest cover-up attempt is appalling.

"An independent investigation should look at the department's handling of this case. These are serious allegations – that the department sought to cover up the suicide and told mourners not to take photographs.

"How is it that they allow the late Mr Rassoul's family into the country when it seems they were never going to get back together again? What does this say about Labour's negligence with refugee reunification?

"The Government's own research shows that 80% of refugees are still on a benefit after five years. Here are more people that will be supported by the taxpayer for years to come," says Mr Ryall.

Ends

© Scoop Media