This is news that will not increase public confidence in the political caste in New Zealand. Golriz Ghahraman, MP for the local Green Party (Aotearoa Green Party), decided to step down from her duties on Wednesday January 10 due to a complaint against her for shoplifting.
According to the New Zealand radio channel Newstalk ZB Plus, the events took place in Ponsonby, in the suburbs of Auckland, in the north of the country. During the holiday season, the woman who is also a human rights lawyer allegedly went to a clothing store specializing in luxury products, Scottie’s Boutique, and allegedly committed theft.
“The party is aware of the allegations regarding MP Golriz Ghahraman and is in contact with Scotties Boutique to better understand and respond to them,” a party spokesperson told New Zealand media. Our MPs are expected to maintain high standards of behavior in public spaces. Ms. Ghahraman will step aside from all responsibilities until the matter is resolved.”
The MP, who became the first refugee elected to New Zealand parliament in 2017 after fleeing the Iran-Iraq war, did not wish to make comments to the New Zealand press.
In July, the leader of the Norwegian far left resigned after stealing Hugo Boss sunglasses from a duty-free store at Oslo airport.
