7 June 2007

Media Release:
Immigration policy under Labour
One law for the rich and one for the poor

Labour’s announcement yesterday of special exemptions and fast-track immigration for wealthy businesspeople is in stark contrast to its vicious oppression of ordinary refugees and asylum seekers.

In Mt Eden prison today are four Iranians whose only crime is that they refuse to put their and their families lives in danger by signing documents agreeing to be deported to Iran.

At least one is a Christian convert who rightly fears for his life in Iran. Groups such as Amnesty International agree that people in this situation should be given temporary visas until it is safe for them to return to Iran. Labour refuses to consider this.

Others in this group are in fear of their lives for political reasons relating to their opposition to the Islamic policies of the Iranian government.

These are real people with real New Zealand lives.

The longest detained of the group is Amir Mohebbi who has a New Zealand partner Maryam Mohebbi with permanent residence and three kiwi children – Monica (7), Milad (5) and Merila (3). Amir has been imprisoned for over three years!

Immigration Minister David Cunliffe wants to deport Amir and deprive these kiwi children of their father. Littlest Merila has never known a father who is not in jail. These kids just can’t understand and neither can we. The children attended the last protest outside the prison on May 19th organised by GPJA and the Iranian community in New Zealand.

The other Iranians are real people too. Ali Reza Pahan’s employer strongly supports Ali’s plea to remain in New Zealand. “He is a good man and a very good worker”. Cunliffe wants to deport Ali.

Fardien Nouriyan has a wife Leila and stepdaugher Sahel (15). He has been in New Zealand for 9 years, married for 8 years and in prison for 15 months now. His wife has been here for 15 years and has New Zealand citizenship. Cunliffe wants to deport Fardien.

There were many tears from the wives and children of these men at the last prison protest on 19th May. A further protest is planned at Mt Eden prison on Saturday 23rd June 1pm to 2pm.

Thomas Yadegary was in a similar situation but was released two months ago after a public campaign. However the government is appealing against his release to the Appeal Court. Labour’s lack of humanity knows no bounds.

Labour’s policy announcement yesterday highlights the callous lack of humanity in its immigrations policies. Unfortunately this is nothing new. It was another Labour government which launched the infamous dawn raids on Pacific Island immigrants in the 1970s. In the 21st century the targets are asylum seekers from Iran.

ENDS

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