New Zealand Ex-Lawmaker Convicted Of Shoplifting

Former New Zealand lawmaker Golriz Ghahraman was convicted of shoplifting and fined on Thursday, in a scandal that has left the centre-left politician’s once-promising career in tatters.
Ghahraman pleaded guilty in March to four counts of shoplifting after stealing around NZ$9,000 worth (US$5,500) of items late last year from shops in Auckland and Wellington.
Speaking with newsmen on a pre-recorded interview that aired Thursday, Ghahraman said she shoplifted because she wanted to get out of politics due to the stress.
According to the deputy registrar, the 43-year-old, who previously served as her party’s justice spokeswoman, was fined NZ$1,600 and ordered to pay NZ$260 in costs at Auckland district court.
Recall, Ghahraman, who happened to be the first refugee elected to New Zealand’s parliament, stepped down from her political duties on January 16, citing the need to address her mental health.