15 June 2004

Media Advisory: Forum on Civil Liberties in the 'War on Terrorism'

Green MP Keith Locke will be speaking next week at the first in a series of Green Forums on current issues. This first event centres on challenges to civil liberties in the war on terrorism.

"Since September 11th civil liberties have been under threat around the world," said Mr Locke, the Green Party's Human Rights and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson.

"The treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay are the international headline issues, but in New Zealand we have an acknowledged refugee, Ahmed Zaoui, beginning his nineteenth month behind bars.

"Not only asylum seekers are being affected. Under proposed legislation passports could be taken away on 'national security' grounds. Proposed laws allowing interception of communications and requiring biometric details on passports will undermine New Zealanders privacy and liberty. New 'anti-terrorist' laws could be used against dissenters," said Mr Locke.

The speakers at the forum will discuss where this 'war on terror' is leading. Mr Locke will highlight how legislative changes have given police and intelligence agencies even greater powers.

What: Green Forum: Challenges to Civil Liberties in the 'War on Terrorism'. When: 7:00pm, Monday 21st June. Where: 308 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland. Speakers: Keith Locke MP, Green Human Rights Spokesperson; Rodney Harrison QC, lead barrister in Zaoui and Tongan media cases; Tim McBride, editor of the NZ Civil Rights handbook, chair of Auckland Council for Civil Liberties.

ENDS

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