Ex-New Zealand lawmaker Golriz Ghahraman charged with shoplifting

Former New Zealand lawmaker Golriz Ghahraman is expected to appear in court on Feb 1. - GOLRIZ GHAHRAMAN MP/FACEBOOK

WELLINGTON: Former New Zealand lawmaker and justice spokesperson for the centre-left Green Party Golriz Ghahraman was charged with shoplifting Wednesday (Jan 17), a day after she resigned from the legislature.

Ghahraman, the first refugee to have been elected to New Zealand's parliament, stepped down citing the need to address her mental health following news reports linking her to allegations of shoplifting from boutique clothing stores.