9 December 2004
Zaoui Decision: Security Based On Human Rights
Amnesty International has welcomed the decision of the NZ Supreme Court this afternoon to grant bail to Algerian
refugee, Ahmed Zaoui, and urged the Government to move to restore the credibility of its stated commitment to create and
sustain a world-leading human rights environment.
The Crown was clearly unable to justify his continuing imprisonment before the Court, raising once again the
interpretation of ˜national security" that enables someone found to be a refugee fleeing persecution to be denied their
right to asylum, said AINZ's executive director, Ced Simpson.
He said that the Government must now move speedily to ensure Mr Zaoui has the fair hearing he has so far been denied
under the security risk certificate process “ one meeting the standards established by the European Court of Human
Rights.
Real security involves adhering to the just rule of law. If the Government is not prepared to have the â threat to
national security alleged by the Director of Security tested rigorously in a proper judicial process, with limited
procedural restrictions if absolutely necessary, the Minister of Immigration should withdraw his reliance on the
certificate immediately and allow Mr Zaoui the asylum he seeks.
ENDS