“I’m sorry. It’s not a behaviour I can explain” Golriz quits Parliament following shoplifting allegations

Supplied

Green MP Golriz Ghahraman has quit Parliament after being accused of shoplifting on three separate occasions.

It follows confirmation to Stuff.co.nz that police said they were investigating another shoplifting allegation involving Ghahraman, this time, in relation to a Wellington store.

"In statement she said “it is a great honour to serve as a Member of Parliament. I am proud of my advocacy work on human rights and foreign affairs, and particularly proud of campaigns that resulted in practical improvements to the electoral laws governing donations and overseas voting.

“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. 

“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. 

“With that in mind, I don't want to hide behind my mental health problems, and I take full responsibility for my actions which I deeply regret. 

“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. 

I want to thank the many communities and people who have supported me over the years. I will continue to work with and to advocate for those communities however I can, as best I can.

I also want to especially thank Scotties Boutique for the kindness and empathy they have shown me. 

I now ask for people to give me the space and privacy I need to get better. I won’t be commenting further at this time.”