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       New Zealand Lawmaker Resigns After Shoplifting Allegations

       Golriz Ghahraman was the first refugee to be sworn in as a member of the country’s Parliament. She did not directly address the accusations but said she her behavior “fell short.”

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       By Emma Bubola

       Jan. 16, 2024

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       A lawmaker from New Zealand quit her job on Tuesday after allegations emerged that she had shoplifted from two clothing stores, actions she said were caused by stress affecting her mental health.

       “I fell short. I’m sorry,” said the lawmaker, Golriz Ghahraman, in a statement on Tuesday. “The best thing for my mental health is to resign as a member of Parliament.”

       Ms. Ghahraman, 43, a former United Nations human rights lawyer originally from Iran, rose to prominence when she became the first refugee to be sworn in as a member of the country’s Parliament in 2017.

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       Emma Bubola is a reporter based in London. More about Emma Bubola

       A version of this article appears in print on Jan. 17, 2024, Section A , Page 11 of the New York edition with the headline: M.P. Accused Of Shoplifting Steps Down, Citing Health . Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

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