Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman pleads guilty to shoplifting
Wednesday, 13 March 2024
Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman was charged after allegations of shoplifting.
Ghahraman stole $8367 worth of clothing before resigning as an MP.
The former MP had been subject to threats that were “horrific in nature”, her lawyer told the court.
Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman has pleaded guilty to four charges of shoplifting.
Ghahraman appeared in the Auckland District Court on Wednesday, following a shoplifting investigation which found she had stolen around $8367 worth of clothing from three shops.
Wearing a black dress, the former MP appeared emotionless as she stood in the dock with her hands in front of her.
The former MP, whose occupation was listed on court documents as a barrister, stole a navy cardigan worth $389 from Standard Issue in Newmarket.
On October 22, Ghahraman stole a piece of clothing worth $695 from Cre8iveworx in Wellington.
Ghahraman then stole twice from Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby - once on December 21 taking an item worth $2060 and then a second time on December 23, taking an item valued at $5223.
The former MP’s lawyer, Annabel Cresswell, told the court Ghahraman’s case had been subject to “aggressive media reports” resulting in threats, some of which were “horrific in nature”.
Media filming of Ghahraman in court would add to the vitriol, she said.
“There are mental health issues at stake.”
Judge Maria Pecotic said while she was “extremely sympathetic” to Ghahraman, she would allow the media to film Ghahraman and take five photos.
Outside the court on Wednesday, the former MP stayed silent as she left through the back, refusing to answer any questions.
Earlier this year, Ghahraman stood down from all of her portfolios, before resigning as a Green list MP.
She had previously been the Green Party spokesperson for justice, foreign affairs, and a range of other topics.
On January 16, Ghahraman announced her resignation as a Member of Parliament.
“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,” she said at the time.
“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.”
In January, Ghahraman said she took full responsibility for her actions, which she deeply regretted.
“I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry.”
Ghahraman was remanded at large on Wednesday afternoon, with sentencing set down for June.