Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman is facing an additional shoplifting charge, as confirmed by the police in response to inquiries from RNZ. The 43-year-old now faces a total of four shoplifting charges, with the latest allegation stemming from an incident in Newmarket on December 22. The charge, filed in late January, accuses Ghahraman of shoplifting a navy cardigan valued at $389 from Standard Issue.
Originally scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on February 28 for her first appearance, Ghahraman’s court date has been postponed Marching 20 in light of the new charge.
This recent accusation adds to the list of charges against Ghahraman, which include the alleged theft of nearly $10,000 worth of goods from two other boutiques. Specifically, she is accused of stealing $695 worth of clothing from Cre8iveworx store in Wellington on October 22. Further charges relate to the alleged theft of $7223 worth of items from Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby on December 21, and an additional $2060 worth of goods from the same store on December 23.
If convicted, Ghahraman could face a maximum term of imprisonment of seven years for these charges. The former MP resigned from her parliamentary position following the emergence of the shoplifting allegations.
In a statement addressing the charges, Ghahraman attributed her actions to work-related stress, asserting that it led her to behave “completely out of character.” She acknowledged the lack of excuses for her actions but emphasized a desire to explain them. Citing guidance from a mental health professional, Ghahraman claimed her recent behaviour aligns with an extreme stress response linked to previously unrecognized trauma related to recent events.
Ghahraman’s legal proceedings will unfold as the public closely watches developments in this high-profile case. -TIN Bureau