95bFM’s editorial director Noelle McCarthy is to be MC at the launch of an investigative book on the Ahmed Zaoui case. The launch will host a strong line up of speakers on human rights, New Zealand politics, and Justice.

Scoop's Selwyn Manning and 95bFM's Noelle McCarthy discuss the Ahmed Zaoui book on bFM this afternoon.

Speakers include Amnesty International’s Margaret Taylor, Council of Trade Union’s Ross Wilson, Global Peace and Justice Auckland’s John Minto, and Green Party co-leader Rod Donald.

New Zealand singer/songwriter Don McGlashan will play to honour peace and justice.

The book titled: ‘I almost forgot about the moon’- The Disinformation Campaign Against Ahmed Zaoui results from months of investigation into the Ahmed Zaoui case and is co-authored by Scoop co-editor Selwyn Manning, Yasmine Ryan, and Katie Small.

"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.

Selwyn Manning is pleased a strong line up of speakers will take part at tonight’s launch.

“The speakers have considered whether it is correct that Ahmed Zaoui be kept imprisoned in New Zealand indefinitely, and have strong views on how the New Zealand Parliament can move to ensure failures with the Immigration Act are corrected to ensure justice is done," Selwyn Manning said.

"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."

"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."

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 mailto:azbook@spectator.co.nz or mailto:selwyn@scoop.co.nz) or from Unity Bookshops, High Street Auckland, and Unity Bookshops, Willis Street Wellington. Other outlets to be advised.

The Zaoui Book Is Launched at 6:30pm, Tuesday Oct 5 2004.

Western Springs Garden Hall, 956 Great North Road, Western Springs.

For more: phone Selwyn on 021-664-286.

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