"Terror" Accused Bail Hearing Underway In Auckland
Reported by Joseph Barratt From the District Court In Auckland.
The bail hearing for a "terror" accused activist facing several charges under the Arms Act is underway at Auckland
District Court.
Both the name and all the submissions to the court are suppressed at present.
The judge will make final suppression orders and decisions at conclusion of the bail application.
Prior to the morning break only the crown had made its submissions opposing the granting of bail to Judge Patrick
Treston. After the morning break the defence is expected to make its submissions before the judge begins his
deliberations.
Four other "terror" accused - members of the Urewera 17 - are scheduled to appear today in relation to various matters.
Matters to be considered include bail applications and evidence suppression matters.
In a departure from procedure at several previous bail applications for "terror accused" the public gallery has been
allowed to remain in place for hearing of evidence against the "terror" accused whose bail application is underway.
At previous bail proceedings held to date the public gallery had been cleared during the hearing and viewing of mainly
video and intercept transcription evidence.
In almost all hearings of evidence against the "terror" accused to date - all evidence has been suppressed from
publication. Issues and legal peril around the admissibility of evidence in relation to the arms charges which was
obtained under Terrorism Suppression Act warrants abound.
In several cases to date the reasons for bail being refused or granted have also been suppressed from publication in the
media.
ENDS