In an unexpected turn of events, Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman has resigned from parliament amidst allegations of shoplifting. The controversy unfolded after CCTV footage surfaced, allegedly showing her attempting to steal items from high-end clothing stores in both Auckland and Wellington.
#GolrizGhahraman #GreenParty #NewZealand
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#GolrizGhahraman #GreenParty #NewZealand
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NewsTranscript
00:00 In an unexpected turn of events, Green Party MP, Goldress Gehraman has resigned from parliament
00:08 amidst allegations of shoplifting.
00:10 The controversy unfolded after CCTV footage surfaced allegedly showing her attempting
00:15 to steal items from high-end clothing stores in both Auckland and Wellington.
00:20 Addressing the public for the first time, Gehraman admitted the impact of her mental
00:24 health on her actions, saying, "It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly
00:28 affected by the stresses relating to my work.
00:31 This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character.
00:34 I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them."
00:38 She expressed regret for falling short of the high standards expected of elected representatives
00:43 and stated that resigning from a parliamentary role was crucial for her mental well-being.
00:48 Gehraman emphasised, "The best thing for my mental health is to resign as a member
00:52 of parliament and to focus on my recovery and to find other ways to work for positive
00:56 change in the world."
00:58 The initial accusations surfaced on Newstalk ZB+ on January 10, revealing Gehraman's
01:03 alleged involvement in shoplifting incidents at Scottie's Boutique in Auckland during
01:07 the festive season.
01:09 Police have acknowledged the investigation but have not confirmed specific individual
01:13 identities.
01:14 Another shoplifting incident at Creative Works in Wellington is also under investigation,
01:19 with the store reporting the incident on October 26.
01:23 Green Party leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw, after days of silence, held a press
01:27 conference where they announced accepting Gehraman's resignation, emphasising the
01:32 importance of accountability.
01:34 Davidson stressed, "It's important to understand that all MPs are still human,"
01:38 while Shaw expressed disappointment in the circumstances and the necessity for Gehraman
01:42 to take accountability and seek support.
01:45 Shaw also highlighted the increased stress faced by Ms Gehraman due to physical threats
01:50 since her election, including continuous threats of sexual violence and death.
01:54 Despite potential criticisms about how the situation was handled, he acknowledged that
01:58 Gehraman is taking accountability for her actions and seeking help.
02:02 In her resignation statement, Gehraman took full responsibility for her actions, expressing
02:07 deep regret and citing her mental health professional's assessment, linking her behaviour to extreme
02:12 stress response and unrecognised trauma.
02:15 Golrez Gehraman, who entered politics in 2017 as New Zealand's first refugee Member of
02:20 Parliament, held nine portfolios, including justice, foreign affairs, human rights, defence,
02:25 refugees and women.
02:27 Her sudden departure from the political arena has left many questioning the challenges faced
02:31 by elected officials in the increasingly demanding world of politics.
02:35 [END]
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