• Golriz Ghahraman, a member of parliament in New Zealand, has been forced to resign after alleged videos of her shoplifting from some upmarket boutiques surfaced
• Since being elected, Ghahraman has reportedly been under particular pressure due to "continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, and death threats
• The lawmaker blamed "completely out-of-character" behaviour on work stress and mental health difficulties in a statement that did not address the particular charges

Legit.ng journalist Nurudeen Lawal has 8 years of experience covering activities of the National and State Assemblies

New Zealand - After being accused of shoplifting multiple times, a New Zealand MP, Golriz Ghahraman, has resigned.

Ghahraman, a Green Party representative, is charged with stealing from high-end stores at least three times.

Sky News reported that, as the first refugee in the island nation's Parliament, the lawmaker and human rights attorney of Iranian descent made history in 2017.

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Since being elected, she has been under particular pressure due to "continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, and death threats," co-party leader James Shaw said.

What are Golriz Ghahraman's reasons for shoplifting

Ghahraman blamed "completely out-of-character" behaviour on work stress and mental health difficulties in a statement that did not address the particular charges.

"I want to explain my actions, but I'm not trying to justify them. My recent behaviour is consistent with recent occurrences causing an excessive stress response and linked to previously unrecognised trauma, according to the mental health professional I see," Ghahraman stated.

Legit.ng understands that it is reasonable for the public to hold its elected officials to the highest standards of conduct.

"I was not successful. Sorry. It's not a behaviour I can explain because it's not rational in any way, and, after medical evaluation, I understand I'm not well," she added.

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Where did Golriz Ghahraman commit the offences

The politician allegedly stole items from Cre8iveworkz in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, and Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby, Auckland.

In a statement, the New Zealand Police stated that they were looking into the reported incident that happened in December 2023 at Scotties Boutique, but they did not provide any other information.

They did not certify that Ghahraman was involved in the incident.

Nigeria set to receive stolen $8.9m assets starched in US

In other news, a court has ruled that stolen assets worth $8.9 million are set to be returned to Nigeria following a declaration by Jersey's Attorney General serving a forfeiture notice to the Royal Court in Jersey in November.

The court has determined that funds deposited in a Jersey bank account in 2014 were likely stolen by officials in the Nigerian government.

Negotiations for the return of these assets will now take place with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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