Ali Panah is free from prison
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The Cabinet have signed off on a decision through the Minister for Immigration to release Ali Panah from prison into the care of his vicar at their parish church. He still has a removal notice in force, but does not need to sign papers for deportation. The Minister will be willing to hear any new evidence presented. Everyone now has the space we have been asking for through our public campaign.
This situation has been brought about by many factors, most notably today would have to be the work of Grant Illingworth QC. It’s going to be all over the news and Campbell Live / Closeup tonight.
Thanks be to God.
The following press release was issued earlier:
We’ve just heard that Ali Panah has been released on bail from Auckland Central Remand Prison – into the shelter and support of his Vicar and friend, The Rev Clive Sperring, of St James, Orakei, Auckland.
This means that Ali’s hunger strike/fast will now end, because his case can be revisited.
Anglican connections have provided new legal advice, which has been crucial in achieving this outcome.
The Minister of Immigration, The Hon David Cunliffe, is due to make an announcement to this effect this evening.
There is no guarantee that the review will achieve a particular outcome – but we are so thankful that Ali’s case can be revisited, that his hunger strike has ended, and that new resources can be brought to bear upon his case.
We are delighted at the response of the Minister, David Cunliffe, and acknowledge his key role in enabling this crisis to have a good outcome.
Similarly, we are indebted to the outstanding efforts today of legal counsel.
The Most Rev Brown Turei, Primate and Archbishop
The Most Rev David Moxon, Archbishop
The Rev Dr Anthony Dancer, Social Justice Commissioner
Lloyd Ashton, Media Officer
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