Golriz Ghahraman, a New Zealand Green party MP and its justice spokesperson, has stood down from her parliamentary portfolios after being accused of shoplifting from a high-end clothing store in Auckland.
The human rights lawyer served as the Green party spokesperson for justice, trade and foreign affairs, among other topics, but has now stood down from these roles while the party investigates the allegations.
The allegations were first published on Wednesday by Newstalk ZB Plus, which reported that Ghahraman had been accused of shoplifting during the festive season from Scotties Boutique, a store specialising in luxury brands in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby.
“The Green party is aware of allegations regarding MP Golriz Ghahraman and is in contact with Scotties Boutique to better understand and address them,” a spokesperson for the party told New Zealand media.
“Green MPs are expected to maintain high standards of public behaviour. Ms Ghahraman will stand aside from all portfolio responsibilities until the matter is resolved.
“The Green party and Ms Ghahraman will not comment further at this time.”
Ghahraman has not spoken publicly about the allegation, and the store has so far declined to comment.
Police on Thursday confirmed they had received a report of an incident at a retailer in Ponsonby on 23 December, but were unable to confirm whether particular individuals were facing investigation for specific incidents.
In 2017, Ghahraman made history by becoming the first refugee to be elected to parliament in New Zealand, having sought asylum from Iran after the Iran-Iraq war.
Before entering politics, Ghahraman worked as a criminal defence and human rights lawyer, including for UN tribunals in Rwanda, Cambodia and The Hague.
In her role as Green party foreign affairs and human rights spokesperson, Ghahraman has criticised Israel’s military actions in Gaza, calling in October for an immediate ceasefire and warning of “ethnic cleansing”.
In 2020, Ghahraman revealed that she had multiple sclerosis, having been diagnosed with the condition while an MP.
