New Zealand’s political landscape witnessed a surprising turn of events as Golriz Ghahraman, the country’s first refugee lawmaker and member of the Green Party, resigned amidst allegations of shoplifting at local high-end boutiques. In a statement released on January 16, Ghahraman expressed regret for letting down her supporters and apologized for her actions.
“I have let down a lot of people, and I am very sorry,” Ghahraman stated in her resignation announcement. While she did not explicitly address the specific allegations, she acknowledged the toll of work stress on her mental health. Importantly, Ghahraman took full responsibility for her actions and emphasized her refusal to use mental health issues as a shield. “I fell short. I’m sorry. It’s not a behavior I can explain because it’s not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well,” she explained in the statement.
The alleged incidents occurred at Scotties Boutique in Auckland, where Ghahraman is accused of shoplifting twice, and at Cre8iveworkz in Wellington, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, according to reports.
Ghahraman, an Iranian-Kiwi refugee, has been a prominent figure in New Zealand politics. An Oxford-educated human rights lawyer, she served as the Green Party’s justice and foreign affairs spokesperson during her tenure as a Member of Parliament (MP). Her work has focused on the restoration of post-war communities and addressing human rights atrocities, with a particular emphasis on empowering women in peace and justice initiatives.
During her time in Parliament, Ghahraman played a crucial role in negotiating the cessation of New Zealand’s military deployments in the Middle East. Additionally, she advocated for electoral funding reform, the reinstatement of voting rights for prisoners serving three years or less, and increased efforts to reunite refugee families along with enhanced financial support.
Despite her impactful contributions, Ghahraman’s resignation marks a somber chapter in her political career. The statement concluded with a plea for privacy as she endeavors to address her mental health concerns. “I now ask for people to give me the space and privacy I need to get better. I won’t be commenting further at this time,” Ghahraman requested.
As New Zealand absorbs this unexpected development, questions arise about the implications for the Green Party and the broader political landscape, with the departure of a lawmaker who once stood as a symbol of diversity and resilience.
Sources By Agencies
