Eckhoff Lays Complaint Against GM Activists

Tuesday 6 Nov 2001 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Environment & Conservation

ACT Environment Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today laid a complaint with Police against four people who have spoken out in favour of ripping up GM field trial plants.

"I laid the complaint at Wellington Central Police Station this morning. I understand it will be forwarded to Police National Headquarters for further investigation as this is seen as a national issue," Mr Eckhoff said.

The four people named in the complaint are: Tremane Barr, Steve Abel, Kara Vandeleur and Logan Petley.

"All these people have been quoted in the media in the past week as representing activist groups who intend to rip up GM plants and have been inciting others to do the same.

"At the Police Station I was told that these people have already technically breached the law through their comments.

"As a farmer and a firm believer in science I think that GM can be of huge benefit to this country. It can improve the quality of food on our tables. It can help create new medicines. Now that the Government has come out in support of field trials it is absolutely imperative that the businesses and scientists who will be conducting these trials are protected from eco-terrorism. Millions of dollars of both physical and intellectual property will be at risk for those choosing their lawful right to conduct trials.

"Legal action against the four people I have named would show the people of New Zealand that the law is the law and there can be no justification for breaking it - whatever spin an individual might want to put on their actions. The Green movement called for the Royal Commission on GM and it was given a privileged position in the hearings. It must now abide by the Commission's carefully considered findings.

"I thank the Police for the courtesy and consideration they showed in accepting my complaint. I intend to pursue it energetically. I believe firm measures need to be taken early against those who would break the law - so that we avoid widespread public disorder later," Gerry Eckhoff said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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