Green Party Member of Parliament, Golriz Ghahraman has resigned as a MP while taking “full responsibility” for her actions. Her resignation has come after she was accused of three shoplifting incidents- two in Auckland and one in Wellington.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Ghahraman has expressed her regret for her actions and apologised for “letting down a lot of people.”
While taking “full responsibility” for her actions and not inclined to hide her mental health issues, she says, “I don’t want to hide behind my mental health problems, and I take full responsibility for my actions which I deeply regret.
“It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly affected by the stresses relating to my work. This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them.
“I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry. The best thing for my mental health is to resign as a Member of Parliament and to focus on my recovery and to find other ways to work for positive change in the world. I will therefore be resigning from Parliament immediately.
“People should, rightly, expect the highest standards of behaviour from their elected representatives. I fell short. I’m 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. The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma,” said Golriz Ghahraman.
Meanwhile, in another statement, Green Party Co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw have applauded her “significant political achievements”, and regretted that circumstances under which Ghahraman had to leave Parliament.
“Golriz Ghahraman has been the leading voice in Parliament for human rights, truly independent foreign policy, and electoral reform for six years. Her political achievements are significant.
“Green MPs are expected to maintain high standards of public behaviour. “It is clear to us that Ms Ghahraman is in a state of extreme distress. She has taken responsibility and apologised. We support the decision she has made to resign. We are deeply sorry to see Ms Ghahraman leave under these circumstances and we wish her all the best for the future.”
The co-leaders declined to comment on the details of allegations while Police investigations are ongoing.
Golriz Ghahraman has asked for “space and privacy”and she won’t be “commenting further at this time.”
Also read: https://www.newsviews.co.nz/green-mp-golriz-ghahraman-accused-of-shoplifting-stood-down-from-roles/