Former New Zealand Lawmaker Golriz Ghahraman Convicted of Shoplifting

Former New Zealand parliamentarian Golriz Ghahraman has been convicted of shoplifting and fined, marking a dramatic turn in the career of the centre-left politician known for her advocacy on human rights issues.

Ghahraman, the first refugee elected to New Zealand’s parliament, resigned from her political responsibilities earlier this year citing mental health concerns. The resignation came a day before police charged her with shoplifting from upscale clothing boutiques in Auckland and Wellington.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty in March to four counts of shoplifting, admitting to stealing items worth NZ$9,000 (approximately US$5,500). Today, she was fined NZ$1,600 and ordered to pay NZ$260 in costs by the Auckland district court.

Judge June Jelas, while delivering the sentence, noted Ghahraman’s remorse, repayment for the stolen items, and her status as a first-time offender as factors in avoiding a custodial sentence.

In a televised interview broadcast today, Ghahraman attributed her actions to stress and described them as “self-sabotage.” She expressed regret for causing distress and harm to others and acknowledged her failure to seek help or step away from politics earlier.

Ghahraman, born in Iran and raised in New Zealand after her family was granted political asylum, had a career as a human rights lawyer with the United Nations before entering parliament in 2017. She served as justice spokeswoman for the Green Party before her resignation.

Former Green Party co-leader James Shaw highlighted the pressures Ghahraman faced, including threats, throughout her political tenure. He suggested these factors contributed to the circumstances leading to her offences.