MPs deny Zaoui snub

By HELEN TUNNAH

Labour MPs deny they were told not to attend a Beehive event last night supporting detained Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui.

Mr Zaoui's detention for 22 months continues to be a political embarrassment for Labour.

Government MP Matt Robson said at the Beehive launch of a book about Mr Zaoui's case, that he had been told Labour's MPs had been asked to stay away.

Only one Labour MP attended, assistant Speaker Ross Robertson.

Labour MPs spoken to the Herald later denied any explicit instructions not to attend the event. Most of the Green Party's MPs were there, and Mr Robson, a Progressive MP.

Herald Feature: Ahmed Zaoui, parliamentarian in prison

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