New Zealand's Green Party has resigned from parliament following multiple allegations of shoplifting.
The accusations stem from CCTV footage capturing Ghahraman attempting to pilfer items from high-end clothing stores in Auckland and Wellington.
Ghahraman, who served as the justice spokesperson for the Green Party, is currently under investigation by the police in connection with three separate incidents of retail theft. The alleged shoplifting took place at a luxury clothing store in Auckland and another in Wellington during late 2023.
The 42-year-old MP, originally from Iran, moved to New Zealand as a child with her family, who were granted political asylum as refugees. After pursuing a career in law, Ghahraman worked as a United Nations human rights lawyer before entering parliament in 2017.
In her resignation statement, Ghahraman acknowledged that her actions were inexplicable and did not align with the expected standards of a public figure. She attributed her behavior to work-related stress, admitting that she had acted in ways that were completely out of character.
"I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them," Ghahraman stated. "The mental health professional I see says my recent behavior is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognized trauma."
Last week, the Green Party announced Ghahraman's decision to step down from her portfolio responsibilities while the police investigation is ongoing. The party's co-leaders, Marama Davidson and James Shaw, issued a separate statement expressing support for her resignation, citing her state of extreme distress, according to Barrons.
New Zealand MP Accused of Shoplifting
Although Ghahraman expressed remorse for disappointing her constituents and colleagues, she showed her dedication to addressing her mental health and pursuing recovery. Even after stepping down, she remained determined to discover alternative methods of making a positive impact on the world.
The allegations of shoplifting were initially reported on January 10 by Newstalk ZB Plus, alleging that Ghahraman stole items during the festive season from Scotties Boutique, a luxury brand store in Ponsonby, Auckland. Although the police confirmed an investigation, individual identities remained unconfirmed.
Ghahraman's departure from politics marks the end of a career marked by significant achievements, including being the first refugee elected to the New Zealand parliament in 2017. Throughout her tenure, she focused on issues such as human rights, foreign affairs, and electoral reform.
The co-leaders of the Green Party recognized Ghahraman's significant political contributions, yet emphasized the importance of upholding high standards of public behavior for MPs. In the face of escalating abuse, which included threats of violence and death, Ghahraman's decision to resign received the full support of her party leaders.
Ghahraman's history as a human rights lawyer, her battle with multiple sclerosis, and her pioneering role as a refugee in parliament add complexity to the narrative surrounding her unexpected resignation. As New Zealand processes this development, the Green Party prepares for a transition and the continuation of its advocacy for social and environmental causes, The Guardian reported.
