John Key wouldn't let Panah stay either.
If people are worried that refugees might convert to Christianity, then maybe an Inquisition type office is in order. It worked in Spain in the 1500s.
Related Link: Nats wouldn't let Panah stay either - Key
Mr Key was asked on TV One's Breakfast programme this morning about the Government's handling of the case.I find this very disturbing. There are many people worried about "the others" that could come, that could "pretend" to convert to Christianity. What is the problem with treating each individual as an individual rather than representing the imagined "others"?
"You obviously have to balance the humanitarian aspects of this case - no one wants to see someone starving to death on our watch," he said.
However, Mr Key said New Zealand had to be careful not to set a precedent.
The country took 750 United Nations sanctioned refugees a year and about 200 people a year arrived in the country seeking that status. Mr Panah was one of them but authorities have rejected his application.
"Looking at the facts of the case, and I only have some information ... there's certainly quite a lot of inconsistencies about what he's been saying," Mr Key said.
"I have concerns about New Zealand being targeted as a soft touch ... The problem you have is (if you let him stay) there are hundreds that turn up if that word gets around.
If people are worried that refugees might convert to Christianity, then maybe an Inquisition type office is in order. It worked in Spain in the 1500s.
Related Link: Nats wouldn't let Panah stay either - Key