KEY POINTS:
Ahmed Zaoui's lead counsel, Rodney Harrison, QC, has rejected claims from a European intelligence source that Mr Zaoui is scared he could be targeted by former associates.
The intelligence source had told the Herald Mr Zaoui was under pressure from activists he once associated with and wanted protection
from them.
But Dr Harrison, who rarely comments to the media, said the supposed information was nonsensical.
"Mr Zaoui gave no concrete information to the NZSIS about former FIS associates. He had no such information to give to the NZSIS.
"The only information Mr Zaoui has ever provided about former associates in Europe or elsewhere was when, as already documented and recorded in the Refugee Status Appeals Authority decision, he identified two individuals - acquaintances - as GIA members."
Dr Harrison's statement comes as intrigue grows over how the Security Intelligence Service arrived at its decision to no longer view Mr Zaoui as a security risk.
The decision followed an extensive hearing and a separate interview with Mr Zaoui by the SIS.
There have been suggestions - fuelled by statements made by SIS director of security Warren Tucker - that Mr Zaoui gave the intelligence service fresh information during that time.
Dr Tucker has said that some of it cannot be disclosed publicly because of fears for Mr Zaoui's safety.
But Dr Harrison said the claim in the Herald that Mr Zaoui feared he could be targeted by former associates was untrue - "it is not a fear which he has ever expressed. Nor is it a concern that the NZSIS has ever expressed to him. The claim that he is under pressure from activists he once associated with is quite simply nonsensical."
The Herald article said Mr Zaoui had given the French Secret Service information when he was in France but Dr Harrison said he was only in France for a few weeks in late 1993, had no contact with the French authorities and, in particular, no contact with the French Secret Service whatsoever.
"Indeed, a French court later criticised him for being in 'total clandestinity' during his time in France."
It was "ironic" the Herald claimed to have information from French intelligence sources because during the certificate review process France consistently refused to consent to allow the NZSIS to release its classified information to Mr Zaoui.
Dr Harrison also said that the SIS' claim that Mr Zaoui had provided new information in recent times did not mean the Algerian had earlier withheld the information in question.
"The ongoing major difficulty which Mr Zaoui has faced is that because the classified information against him has not been made available, and he has not even been informed by way of summary of some of the key allegations against him, he has not known what matters of detail were of concern to the NZSIS.
"Whenever the NZSIS has been more forthcoming about its concerns, he in turn has been able to be more forthcoming with both detail and assurances."
New Details
What the SIS says about Ahmed Zaoui providing new information:
* Mr Zaoui "has offered new information that he had not previously disclosed, even to the authorities that decided his refugee status".
Mr Zaoui has for the first time admitted meeting in 1993 an individual - known as 'D' - who is considered a serious security concern by the NZSIS.
* Mr Zaoui said he met 'D' only at the request of another FIS (Algerian Islamic Front for Salvation) member, and he argued with the individual.
* Mr Zaoui had previously argued it was inconceivable for FIS leaders to have provided support to the GIA (Armed Islamic Group) or other extremist groups - but has now confirmed that other associates did in principle support the GIA.
* Mr Zaoui became "more candid" in his disclosures.
