Nats out of Sroubek tent
Immigration Minister Iain LeesGalloway is continuing down the track of secrecy and refusing to brief the Opposition on his decision to grant a convicted Czech drug smuggler residency.
It took one week for LeesGalloway to respond to a letter from National’s justice spokesman Mark Mitchell, who asked for a briefing on Karel Sroubek.
Lees-Galloway is digging in his heels and declining to share information because he is concerned Mitchell would speak about the case details publicly.
Mitchell sent an official letter to Lees-Galloway last week, requesting a meeting to discuss the case, which followed oral questions in the House, where the minister said he had not received any written requests for a briefing.
In his letter, dated November 7, Mitchell said he believed briefing documents provided to the minister would clearly show he should never have granted a resident pathway to Sroubek. Mitchell said he would respect confidentiality regarding specifics and individuals but he reserved his right to speak publicly and indicate after the briefing whether his position had changed.
In response, Lees-Galloway said he noted Mitchell’s intention to speak publicly after a briefing.
‘‘As there is an investigation under way into this matter, confidentiality is paramount,’’ LeesGalloway said. ‘‘It is important not to prejudice the investigation or possible future action as a result.’’
He had been advised that given the current status of the investigation, it would not be appropriate to provide a briefing at this point in time, the letter said.
The minister initially stood by his residency decision.
However, numerous revelations came to light, including that Sroubek, who claimed his life was in danger, travelled to his home country in 2009.
It has since been revealed the file the minister considered did not include documentation showing Sroubek returned to Europe.
It is understood all decisions related to Sroubek’s bail applications, any variations to his bail and a parole board report (made two days before his decision) were also not included in the file.
The Immigration NZ probe into Sroubek’s case has been completed.
Sroubek now has the opportunity to comment on the findings and provide his views on any possible decision. Sroubek’s lawyer asked for a two-day extension and he has until November 23 to respond.
Immigration NZ will review Sroubek’s comments before the case is presented to the minister, which means it will surpass a three-week deadline imposed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the immigration minister.
Sroubek can challenge a decision to revoke his residency and options include a judicial review or seeking refugee status. Immigration experts say Lees-Galloway can’t just reverse his decision because he wasn’t given information. It has to be shown information provided by the applicant was somehow misleading, deliberately incomplete or perhaps criminal.