Elizabeth O.
Prominent New Zealand MP Resigns Amidst Shoplifting Scandal, Citing Work-Related Stress
The accusations involve three separate incidents of theft from two clothing stores, one located in Wellington and another in Auckland. The controversy intensified with the release of CCTV footage allegedly showing Ms Ghahraman taking a designer handbag from an Auckland boutique, which ultimately led to her decision to step down on Tuesday.
In her resignation statement, Ms Ghahraman expressed deep regret for her actions and acknowledged the disappointment she has caused. She attributed her uncharacteristic behavior to work-related stress, emphasizing that it deviated from her usual conduct.
“I have let down many people, and I sincerely apologize,” she stated, recognizing that her actions failed to meet the high standards expected of elected representatives. Although the 42-year-old politician has not faced criminal charges, she admitted in her resignation statement that her recent behavior is difficult to justify rationally.
After undergoing a medical evaluation, Ms Ghahraman shared insights from mental health professionals who linked her behavior to an extreme stress response and previously unrecognized trauma. “It is a behavior that I cannot explain because it lacks rationality, and after medical evaluation, I have come to understand that I am not well,” she explained. “My recent conduct aligns with an extreme stress response resulting from recent events and connects to previously overlooked trauma. Resigning as a member of parliament and focusing on my recovery while seeking alternative avenues to contribute to positive change in the world is the best course of action for my mental health.”
Born in Iran and educated at Oxford University, Ms Ghahraman made history in 2017 as New Zealand’s first refugee Member of Parliament. In recent months, she gained prominence as one of the country’s leading advocates for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
