“He was released along with other political prisoners, they had been arrested for writing a political communique talking about political freedom in Algeria. It was obviously a very difficult time for him in prison and he has already had his first meal of homemade couscous and is just enjoying being back home with them and looking forward to restoring his health.”Ahmed Zaoui has been released from prison after 28 months behind bars. “It has been a time filled with relief and much joy, it was really very good to hear him. The activist rose to prominence in 2002 after he was detained when entering New Zealand seeking asylum as a refugee and issued a NZSIS security risk certificate. Manning became a key figure in the campaign to have Zaoui’s security risk certificate overturned.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 10, 2026 11:34 UTC