Controversial British journalist Yvonne Ridley
Zealand for the first time since she hit world headlines after being Taliban. Ridley will be in New Zealand from July 19 – 30, 2005.
Soon after the September 11 attacks in the US, as Ridley was covering the war in
Afghanistan for the Sunday Express, she was suddenly captured and held by the Taliban.
The world watched on against a backdrop depicting the Taliban as the epitome of
religious extremism.
Whilst in captivity Ridley attempted to secure her release by offering to read the Qur'an,
the Holy Book of Islam. She was eventually released without harm a short time later, but
again attracted controversy when she converted to Islam in 2003.
Yvonne, brought up as a Protestant in Stanley, has exchanged her Church of England
upbringing for the religion of Islam. In addition to describing her journey to Islam after
being a journalist and war correspondent, Ridley is adept at publicly explaining Islam in
Western terms.
Following the recent attacks in London, which recall memories
Ridley is eagerly awaited at all her international destinations to
questions on Britain, Muslims, Islam and the causes of terrorism.
Ridley is accompanied by her 14 year old daughter.
31 July, after numerous media engagements
interview on Campbell Live on 21st July.
She will deliver two live public lectures while in New Zealand. The first, entitled
Hands of the Taliban, is in Christchurch on Tuesday 26 July 7pm in the Great Hall
Arts Centre. The second lecture on Saturday 30th July at Gandhi Hall, 145 New
Road, Auckland City at 6:45pm is From Kabul to Ka’aba. Both lectures are open
public and Ridley will be answering questions from the audience afterwards.
CONTACT: Mr. Maan Alzaher [Ph. 021-2888 489]. Email: alzaher@ihug.co.nz
Organizers: Muslim Association of Canterbury (MAC) ph. 03-3483930, www.mac.net.nz
Auckland coordinators: Islamic Resource Centre, ph. 09-6275677, info@ircnz.org
