Thursday 14 October
Time to give Zaoui his freedom
The Association of University Staff (AUS) is calling on the Government to call it a day and give former Algerian
academic Ahmed Zaoui his freedom. This follows the latest court decision, released last Friday, which follows a series
of such decisions in Mr Zaoui's favour.
"The problem the Government faces is that it now cannot win," says Dr Bill Rosenberg, AUS National President. "The
credibility of its case has been repeatedly tested and found unsupportable. From the Refugee Status Appeals Authority
through multiple court decisions, judicial authorities have consistently rejected the Government's evidence and
arguments. If Mr Zaoui's case goes through the full procedure of a review by the Inspector General of Security, followed
by a Ministerial decision on the case, few will believe a decision that goes against Mr Zaoui. If the final decision is
in his favour, people will demand to know why the Government persisted for so long at his expense. Any embarrassment the
Government may suffer by dropping the case now will be far exceeded by the embarrassment if the case is taken to its
bitter end."
"In the meantime, Mr Zaoui is under severe stress. It is simply inhumane to persevere with such a flimsy case. The
government should use its power of discretion to release him immediately and confirm the refugee status given him by the
Refugee Status Appeals Authority," said Dr Rosenberg.
ENDS