A book resulting from months of investigation into the Ahmed Zaoui case is to be launched in Auckland on October 5. The book is titled "I almost forgot about the moon" and subtitled: The Disinformation Campaign Against Ahmed Zaoui".

"I almost forgot about the moon" is a statement that Zaoui made in an affidavit recounting his extended time held in solitary confinement at Paremoremo prison.

Scoop Media co-editor Selwyn Manning, who co-authored the book, said: "Justice and human struggle are themes recurring in many major non-fiction investigations, but seldom has New Zealand had to confront such a complex series of issues as what is now known as the Ahmed Zaoui case.

"Since his arrival at Auckland International Airport on December 4 2002, Ahmed Zaoui’s sheer presence has challenged New Zealand’s immigration laws and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service’s ability to accurately and independently acquire information," Selwyn Manning said.

"I almost forgot about the moon" examines Ahmed Zaoui’s life, interviews his colleagues, his family, political and international commentators, and New Zealand politicians, and investigates why he is considered a danger by Algeria, why he has convictions in Europe, why New Zealand’s SIS believed him to be a security risk, why New Zealand’s immigration laws are unable to determine a timely outcome, and offers examples of legal reform that would ensure New Zealand remains a just and fair country where an individual’s rights are considered equal to those of the state.

"The New Zealand Government cannot escape the fact that this nation’s immigration laws are flawed and have failed to ensure New Zealand’s national security interests are balanced against the rights of a security risk certificate recipient," Selwyn Manning said.

Acknowledgement that the law requires review and reform has been issued by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice, and Minister of Immigration, largely on issues of timeliness.

"'I almost forgot about the moon' presents facts that show how the current law constrains due process to realms of the unjust and traps our political decision makers within a court of bias. This investigation also presents solutions to the current law's failings - and cites how the United Kingdom and Canada tackles that fine balancing act between a nation’s security interests and ideals of justice for those considered to be risks to national security," Selwyn Manning said.

“I almost forgot about the moon” will be on sale from Tuesday evening Oct 5, and will be available direct from the publisher (email azbook@spectator.co.nz) or from Unity Bookshop, High Street Auckland. Other outlets to be advised.

ENDS

For more information, contact Selwyn Manning by ph: 021-664-286 or email Selwyn@scoop.co.nz

Selwyn Manning Co-Editor.

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