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MP sorry for taking photo of protestor who tried to set himself alight
Thursday, 4 December 2008
8:57:37 AM
By Melissa Jenkins
CANBERRA, December 4, 2008: A Labor MP has apologised for taking a photograph of a protester who threatened to set himself alight outside federal parliament and giving it to the media.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Harry Jenkins, said the incident was a reminder the lower house may want to consider a code of conduct.
The photo, which appears on the News Limited website, is of Marat Aminov, 28, who had doused himself in petrol and threatened to set himself alight.
He jumped onto the floor of parliament earlier this week and was led away by guards.
Mr Bidgood, who appeared upset, admitted taking the photographs and passing them onto News Limited.
He said he handed over the photos in exchange for a donation to charity connected to disabilities.
"My actions were highly insensitive and inappropriate and I am tonight writing a letter of apology to the family involved," Mr Bidgood told parliament on Wednesday.
"I deeply regret my actions and I apologise once again for any offence I have caused."
Manager of opposition business, Joe Hockey, asked Mr Jenkins to urgently investigate the "repugnant" incident.
"This incredibly disturbing image provided by the member of parliament to the media outlet raises a number of very alarming issues," he said.
"I ask you to advise the house whether there have been any breaches of security by the Member for Dawson, whether he has abused the entitlements of his office as a member of parliament or if there is any other conduct totally unbecoming of a member of this parliament in relation to this tasteless matter," he said.
Mr Jenkins said he would take some time to consider whether or not he had the power to investigate the incident and would report back to the lower house.
What I am clear in my own mind about is that this is another reminder that it probably is time that this house very much considers a code of conduct," he said.
Mr Aminov had been seeking to draw attention to the plight of his parents - Samil and Alija Aminov from Sydney - who have long sought to obtain permanent resident visas.
The family had been protesting on the lawn in front of Parliament House for the past week, according to the Social Justice Network.
Chief government whip Roger Price said the matter was very serious. - AAP
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