------------#207: TERRORISM CLAIMS ATTACK DEMOCRACY - PROTEST SAT------------

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #207, October 25, 2007

Website http://www.gpja.org.nz/

Dear friends,

TERRORISM CLAIMS ATTACK DEMOCRACY – JOIN GLOBAL DAY OR PROTESTS THIS SATURDAY

It’s a grim time for democracy and civil rights in New Zealand with 17 “terrorism suspects” arrested in para-military raids across the country this month.

For many people the situation is confusing at best but for those who know the people arrested it is astonishing. How could the police believe a group of Maori sovereignty activists, peace campaigners and environmentalists could pose a credible terrorist threat to New Zealand?

The police have raised the spectre of terrorism despite, after 15 months of intensive surveillance, no decision yet being made as to whether terrorism charges will be laid. In the meantime the damage is being done. The public are being softened up to accept that we have terrorism in New Zealand.

Under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002 a terrorist is defined as someone who, for political reasons, causes “…serious disruption to an infrastructure facility, if likely to endanger human life…” This broad definition would include many of the protests against the 1981 Springbok tour. It threatens to demonise legitimate political dissent. Even people committed to non-violence with no intention to harm anyone or damage property can qualify as terrorists.

Meanwhile the latest Terrorism Suppression Amendment Bill is being pushed through parliament. Under this law New Zealand would automatically adopt the UN (effectively the US) list of terrorists and terrorist organisations. A law like this in the 1980s would have made it illegal to provide support for the African National Congress in the fight against apartheid or for campaigns to have Nelson Mandela released from jail. Today groups such as Hamas, despite being democratically elected to government in occupied Palestine, would be a designated terrorist group (as it is in Australia)

A kiwi added to the list by another country (as a result of police action last week for example) would have great difficulty being removed from the list. Sweden and the Canada have faced huge difficulties with their citizens being designated in this way through the UN process.

The new legislation also sidelines our courts in favour of the Prime Minister designating and then reviewing terrorist classifications. Why should the PM be judge and jury? Under this proposal someone like Ahmed Zaoui wouldn’t have had a chance. Prime Ministers are susceptible to international pressure. It is only a phone call away. At least with the courts there is the semblance of independent scrutiny.

The government says the police, SIS and lawmakers are all working hand in hand to keep New Zealand safe. The truth is that our lawmakers are blindly putting in place savage attacks on civil rights while the police and SIS are eager to test their new powers and are excited at the prospect of joining the war on terror.

As it is New Zealand’s anti-terror legislation is set up to demonise dissent and legitimate political protest while removing civil rights safeguards. Dissent provides the oxygen on which a democracy depends. We throttle it at our peril.

• No terror charges

• Immediate bail for all arrestees (innocent until proven guilty)

• Withdraw the Terrorism Suppression Act and its amendments

Check out the website www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz

Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think may be interested and tell them they can subscribe at http://gpja.org.nz/

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION OCTOBER 27

DEFEND CIVIL LIBERTIES, NO USE OF TERROR LAWS

Saturday 27 October is an international day of action to defend civil liberties and oppose the use of terror laws. Stand up for all our rights.

Auckland: Demonstration Saturday Oct 27th at 12 noon meeting in Aotea Square.

Hamilton: Protest Sat 27th, meet 12 noon @ Garden Place.

Whanganui: Rally and march Saturday October 27th at 12 noon. Meet at the River Traders Market on Moutoa Quay (behind Taupo Quay).

Wellington: Protest Sat 27th, meet 12 noon @ Midland Park. Bring noisemakers and rage.

Christchurch: A solidarity rally and march will be held in Cathedral Square at 12noon on Saturday Oct 27th.

Melbourne, Australia: A solidarity demonstration will be held Saturday 27th in Federation Square, 12noon

NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDER http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/event

AUCKLAND

Thursday, October 25, 6 – 7.30pm, Stone Lecture Theatre, 3rd floor, Law Faculty Building, 9 Eden Crescent, Auckland University INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM AND SECURITY LEGISLATION - THE CHALLENGES AND RESPONSES. Nicky Hager, researcher, author of The Hollow Men, will comment on the overall effect of enhanced surveillance on New Zealand society. Tim McBride, author, barrister and civil libertarian, will examine the enhanced powers given to state agencies in New Zealand and the implications for privacy. John Ip, AU Faculty of Law lecturer, will talk on enemy combatants and International Law. Gregory Thwaite, international lawyer, will talk on the justifications given for increased security legislation. Chairperson: Barry Wilson, President of Auckland Council for Civil Liberties Organised by: Auckland Council For Civil Liberties; University Of Auckland Faculty Of Law And International Law Association (New Zealand Branch).

Sunday, October 28, 6pm, Te Karanga Art Gallery 208 Karangahape Rd SPEAKER BOX - WAHA NUI - Mixed Media-Film-Acoustic Music-Spoken Word-Guest Speakers On the 28th of October 2007 to commemorate the "Declaration of Independence" 1835 6pm @ Te Karanga Art Gallery 208 Karangahape Rd. Raise the Consciousness: Current state Violations on Human Rights Nau Mai haere mai!! Fundraiser for the whanau affected by the Police Raids KOHA ENTRY

Next meeting of the Auckland Civil Rights Defence Committee, 6pm, Tuesday, October 30, Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St

SPECIAL GPJA FORUM - MONDAY NOVEMBER 5, 7.30PM, METHODIST CHAPEL, QUEEN ST, OPPOSITE TOWN HALL - DEFENDING CIVIL RIGHTS - NO USE OF TERROR LAWS

POSTERS FOR AUCKLAND MARCH CAN BE PICKED UP FROM Simon, NDU Office, 20 Church St, Onehunga Mike, Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St, Auckland City

Or download Auckland or national poster from http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/resources

HELP MAKE PLACARDS IN AUCKLAND, FRIDAY, FROM 12 NOON, UNITE HOUSE, 300 QUEEN ST

MAKE A DONATION TO A DEFENCE FUND ONLINE 38-9000-0099726-00 GLOBAL PEACE & JUSTICE AKLD Indentify donation as being for the defence fund. Initial patrons of the fund are Jane Kelsey, John Minto, Simon Oosterman and Mike Treen Or Use your credit card through Paypal

http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/donate

SEND A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO BE FORWARDED TO PEOPLE IN PRISON http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/node/add/support

MEDIA REPORTS Man arrested in raids protests innocence http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10471850

Firearms accused tells of remand stint http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=10471942

John Armstrong: More power more liability http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=10471947

Sam Watson, Queensland Murri leader and Socialist Alliance Senate candidate in the coming Australian federal elections, condemned the recent raids by New Zealand police on the homes of Maori and other social movement activists, in a statement released on October 24. “These ‘anti-terror’ raids by NZ police are nothing more than the brutal, racist use of repression against Maori and other political activists,” Sam Watson said. “Indigenous people in Australia, who recently suffered a military invasion of their lands in the Northern Territory, by the Howard government, condemn these acts of aggression by the NZ state. http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=701

Solidarity with Maori from Montreal, Occupied Kanien'keha:Ka Territory http://www.indymedia.org/en/2007/10/894854.shtml

Anti-Terror Bill Should Be Withdrawn Today http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0710/S00324.htm

"Terror" Accused To Be Transferred Before Appeal by Alastair Thompson - The defence team for four Wellington detainees is experiencing "bizarre" obstructions in the court and prison system in their attempts to represent the interests of their clients who have now been held in Prison for 10 days.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0710/S00373.htm

Terror "Accused" Simon Bailey Granted Bail - Bail has been granted to a second member of the Urewera 17, the 17 people arrested last Monday in relation to a police investigation under the Terrorism Suppression Act.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0710/S00358.htm

We agree with Ross Meurant - Global Peace And Justice Auckland will be inviting Ross Meurant to address a rally in defence of New Zealanders' civil rights next Saturday

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0710/S00314.htm

Sludge Report #180: Terror Comes To Godzone - Column: Alastair Thompson

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/print.html?path=HL0710/S00341.htm

PAUL BUCHANAN: The arrest and detention without bail of seventeen individuals on grounds that they were planning terrorist attacks against political targets in New Zealand represents a step towards the “Guantanomisation” of national security policy in this country, at least as it applies to political dissent http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0710/S00355.htm

Background From Friends Of Wellington “Terror” Arrestees

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0710/S00321.htm

Harawira - Protected Disclosures Amendment Bill http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0710/S00409.htm

NZ Gov. Not Fit to Sit on UN Human Rights Council

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0710/S00356.htm

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HIDDEN VOICES A Filipino Muslim Woman On The US “War On Terror” And Its Impact On Her People. TOURING NZ 23 OCTOBER- 1 NOVEMBER 2007

Amirah Ali Lidasan is the National Vice-Chairperson of the Suara Bangsamoro Party List Organisation, which aims to get representation in Congress for the Philippines’ several million Muslims (known as Moros and heavily concentrated in the southernmost islands). Amirah is a young progressive Muslim woman, with a history of senior leadership in the student movement in Manila, and is a leader in groups such as the Moro Christian People’s Alliance. She has an international profile. In March 2007 she was part of a Philippine human rights delegation which toured North America and Europe, drawing international attention to the human rights crisis at home.

The Philippine military has been waging a full blown conventional war in the southern Philippines since the 1970s (simultaneous to the better known and equally long war against the Communist guerrillas throughout the whole country). Right now that war is seeing some of its heaviest fighting in decades, with direct involvement from the US Special Forces who have been stationed in the southern Philippines since 2002. It has had hugely negative consequences for the whole Muslim population in the South (including Amirah and her family) and it has now become part and parcel of Bush’s global “War on Terror” against “Islamic terrorists”. Indeed, he has proclaimed the Philippines to be “The Second Front” in that war.

Amirah Ali Lidasan’s tour presents a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about a war in our own backyard that is almost totally unknown to New Zealanders. She is the first Filipino Muslim speaker that we have hosted, and a Muslim woman at that. She is also be our youngest ever speaker (she is in her early 30s) and the first we’ve had from Mindanao. An NZ speaking tour by a progressive Muslim woman leader is very timely, because Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark are co-sponsors of a series of high profile international Interfaith Religious Dialogues which have been held in both countries in 2006 and 07. This is a chance for New Zealanders to actually hear from one of the voiceless, namely a Filipino Muslim, who have suffered centuries of repression and neglect.

Donations are welcome, to help with our costs. Please make cheques to PSNA, Box 2450, Christchurch with a note saying that it is for the Lidasan tour. We thanks the many organisations and individuals whose generosity has made this tour possible. Our budget is $5,000 and money is still needed.

ITINERARY

TUESDAY OCTOBER 23 – DUNEDIN

Public Meeting - 7.30 pm, Gazebo Lounge, top floor University Union Building, access off Cumberland St opposite Otago Museum.

WEDNESDAY 24 – CHRISTCHURCH Public Meeting – 7.30 pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 28 Bealey Avenue.

THURSDAY 25 – BLENHEIM Public Meeting - 7.30 pm, Nativity Centre Lounge, corner Henry & Alfred Streets.

FRIDAY 26 – WELLINGTON Public Meeting - 5.00 pm, St Johns in the City, Willis Street

MONDAY 29 – PALMERSTON NORTH Public Meeting - 7.00 pm, 1st Floor, PSA House, 43 King Street (opposite rear entrance of Farmers).

TUESDAY 30 & WEDNESDAY 31 – AUCKLAND Public Meeting - Wednesday 31st, 7.30 pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1 – WHANGAREI Public Meeting - 7.00 pm, Manaia PHO rooms, 17 Norfolk St, Whangarei (corner Grey & Norfolk Sts, behind KFC on Kamo Road).

PHILIPPINES SOLIDARITY NETWORK

Check out the extensively updated and improved Website of the Philippines Solidarity Network of Aotearoa (PSNA). Click on www.converge.org.nz/psna [http://www.converge.org.nz/psna] * You can read online issues of PSNA’s newsletter, Kapatiran, going back several years. * You will find details of Amirah Ali Lidasan’s October-November NZ speaking tour. * In the Archive section, you can find the accounts, speeches and media coverage of previous Filipino movement speakers – such as Denis Maga this year, Marie Hilao-Enriquez in 2004 and Emilia Dapulang in 2002. * Also in Archive, you can read a detailed account of the long and ultimately successful campaign to free Ka Bel (Congressman Crispin Beltran), the Philippines most high profile political prisoner of 2006 and 07. * You can link directly to the Stop The Killings Campaign Website, with a photo gallery of a small sample of the murdered and abducted political activists, and extensive details on the Philippines’ ongoing human rights crisis, and further link to a major Amnesty International report on that subject. * And there are links to a wide range of Philippine progressive movement Websites, from unions to women’s groups, from human rights activists to peasants’ groups. Please check out our Website and tell your friends about it. PSNA believes that its work is important and invites New Zealanders to join. It only costs $15 per year, payable to PSNA, Box 2450, Christchurch, New Zealand.

PEACE MOVEMENT AOTEAROA – VOICES FROM HEBRON

the latest article by Christina Gibb 'Non violent resistance in Palestine, Part II: Action against the Wall' - including photos - is now available at [http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/hb051007.htm] Christina returned to Hebron in early September as part of the Christian Peacemaker Team there, along with another Quaker from Aotearoa New Zealand, Mary Rose. Links to 'Non violent resistance in Palestine, Part I: Dinner on Tel Rumeida' by Mary Rose, articles by Christina on her previous trips to Hebron, and Hebron Updates and Action Alerts from Christian Peacemaker Teams are available on the Reports from Hebron index page at [http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/hebron.htm]

NEWS MEDIA OWNERSHIP IN NZ

A revised version of the paper “News media ownership in New Zealand” by Bill Rosenberg is now available which includes revisions suggested by some of you to the 15 July 2007 version (thanks), plus further updates,

http://canterbury.cyberplace.org.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Miscellaneous/mediaown.pdf

WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 25-27, 2008

The public face of New Zealand’s role as an American ally is the NZ military presence in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most significant contribution to that, and other American wars, including the one in Iraq, is the Waihopai spybase. Waihopai is controlled by the US, with New Zealand (including Parliament and the Prime Minister) having little or no idea what goes on there (let alone any control).

The Waihopai electronic intelligence gathering base is located in the Waihopai Valley, near Blenheim. First announced in 1987, it is operated by New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) in the interests of the foreign Powers grouped together in the super-secret UKUSA Agreement (which shares global electronic and signals intelligence among the intelligence agencies of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and NZ). Its two satellite interception dishes (shielded from public view by giant domes) intercept a huge volume of telephone calls, telexes, faxes, e-mail and computer data communications. It spies on our Asia/Pacific neighbours, and forwards the material on to the major partners in the UKUSA Agreement, specifically the US National Security Agency (NSA). Its targets are international communications involving New Zealanders, including the interception of international phone calls. The codename for this – Echelon – has become notorious worldwide as the vast scope of its spying has become public. New Zealand is an integral, albeit junior, part of a global spying network, a network that is ultimately accountable only to its own constituent agencies, not governments, and certainly not to citizens.

Waihopai does not operate in the interests of New Zealanders or our neighbours. Basically it is a foreign spybase on NZ soil and directly involves us America’s wars. Waihopai must be closed.

We invite people from around the country to join us for the weekend of anti-war protest at this spybase. Come prepared for roughing it and camping out. We provide the food (note: we cater for vegetarians but vegans will have to bring their own). Bring sleeping bag, groundsheet, a tent, torch, water bottle, eating utensils, clothing for all weather, and $40 (or $20 unwaged) to cover costs. Absolutely no open fires.

How to find our camp at Whites Bay: turn off SH1 at Tuamarina (9km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton) and drive to Rarangi on the coast. Continue on the steep Port Underwood Road which climbs over the hilltop before descending to the Whites Bay turnoff. There is a Department of Conservation public camp at the bay with basic facilities. ABC has to pay a fixed charge per person.

To register send $40 ($20 unwaged) to the Anti-Bases Campaign, P.O. Box 2258, Christchurch. Make all cheques to ABC. E-mail [cafca@chch.planet.org.nz] www.converge.org.nz/abc

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE THE ROGER AWARD CLOSE OCT 31

Nominations are now open for this most prestigious and keenly contested annual Award (won by Progressive Enterprises in 2006; the previous winners are: Westpac/BNZ, Telecom, Juken Nissho, Carter Holt Harvey, TransAlta Monsanto and TranzRail – 3 times). Nominations close on October 31. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0706/S00327.htm

VISIT CUBA THIS SUMMER

Cuba consistently makes the news: whether it is it’s health care system (see Salud or Sicko), its response to its oil crisis, its environmental programmes, or by remaining a political opponent of US imperialism for forty years. It is also the home of salsa and its music is world renowned. Registrations are open for the 25th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba. Members of the Brigade, which is made up of Australians and New Zealanders, spend approximately four weeks in Cuba, leaving 27th December and returning 24th January. The all up cost is $5500, including airfare, spending money and all accommodation and meals. Members of the Brigade often stay longer in Cuba as private travelers or move onto other countries in the region. For further enquiries and registration e- mail Ina at [inashina@clear.net.nz] or Paul at [wkcultur@ihug.co.nz]

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Thursday, October 25, Fri 26, Tues 30 – Auckland University PROFESSOR STEPHEN CHAN, Professor of International Relations, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London University 1. Thurs 25, 3pm, upstairs Old Govt House, Univ of Auckland (off Princes St or waterloo Quadrant): Wars and the deep backgrounds to War: The West, Iraq and Iran 2. Fri 26, 6.30pm, Maidment Theatre, Alfred St: The Perplexing and complex enigma of Mugabe: rightly atrocious or atrociously right? 3. Tues 30, 6.30pm, Engineering Lec Theatre 401, 20 Symonds S: The Succession battles in South Africa: after Mbecki, what?

Saturday, October 27, 12 noon, Aotea Square

MARCH TO DEFEND CIVIL LIBERTIES - SAY NO TO TERRORISM CHARGES

Saturday, October 27, 9.30am-3pm, Otago University Centre, 385 Queen Street, Auckland City

You are warmly invited to attend our PEACE SYMPOSIUM – Organised by Aotearoa New Zealand Peace and Conflict Studies Centre Trust. Opening by Sir Paul Reeves.

Session One. Living Peace Covenants: How can the indigenous peace movements of the Moriori and Parihaka contribute to conflict resolution in the world today? Presentations by Maui Solomon of Hokotehi Moriori Trust “The Moriori Peace Covenant” and Ruakere Hond from Parihaka “Parihaka: in search of peace”.

Session Two. Challenges Posed by Military Aggression: Presentations and panel with Arthur Palmer, George Armstrong, Maire Leadbeater and Edwina Hughes.

Session Three. Potential for Peace Teaching: Presentations and panel with Shareen Shah. Yvonne Duncan and the students of Mt Roskill Grammar School will present on “The Contribution of New Zealand Youth to the Greatest Challenge of the 21st Century – Conflict Resolution“.

Session Four. Growing a Field of Peace – Interfaith Peacebuilding: How can the different faiths work together in practical peace building? Presentation and panel with Ali Jiang, Tipene Daniels and Greg Hughson. The purpose of this Symposium is to develop the relationship between existing peace groups and the new National Peace and Conflict Studies Centre and to explore how the Centre’s research may assist with peaceful resolution of conflicts in the world today. Registration.

As space is limited please register early. Email Registration by October 26 to [anzpcsc@ihug.co.nz] Phone Enquiries to 09 815 0228 Admission by Koha. A simple lunch will be provided. Peace Past – Peace Future

Wednesday, October 31, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn HIDDEN VOICES - A Filipino Muslim Woman On The US “War On Terror” And Its Impact On Her People. Amirah Ali Lidasan is the National Vice-Chairperson of the Suara Bangsamoro Party List Organisation, which aims to get representation in Congress for the Philippines’ several million Muslims (known as Moros and heavily concentrated in the southernmost islands). Amirah is a young progressive Muslim woman, with a history of senior leadership in the student movement in Manila, and is a leader in groups such as the Moro Christian People’s Alliance. She has an international profile. In March 2007 she was part of a Philippine human rights delegation which toured North America and Europe, drawing international attention to the human rights crisis at home. Contact: Helen Te Hira, ph (09) 3039018; 021 0554969; e-mail: [helent@nzctu.org.nz]

Thursday, November 8, 7.30pm, Maidment Theatre, Auckland University 2007 MEDIA PEACE AWARDS - Special Guest Bill Ralston interviewed by John Campbell. MC’s Michele A’Court and Jeremy Elwood. Tickets $30 waged $15 unwaged. Ph 09 3082383 http://www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz

Friday, November 9, 6.30pm (5.30pm bar), Maidment Theatre, Auckland University 2007 BRUCE JESSON LECTURE: Laila Harre, National Secretary National Distribution Union: “Union relevance in Aotearoa in the 21st Century”. For 20 years unions have been engaged in a struggle for relevance - relevance to both workers and the wider social and economic environment in which we organise. This lecture will look at possible futures for the union movement and the potential and need for workers to organise industrially and politically. More than ever we are dependent on what happens at work and what we get from doing it. The question is not whether we need unions, but what sort of unions we need. A collection for donations to the Bruce Jesson Trust will be taken. Sponsored by the Faculty of Arts and The Bruce Jesson Foundation

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

BOLIVIA Indigenous Congress in Bolivia Declares: The struggle is unceasing, we will continue our resistance until our time comes! http://www.socialistvoice.ca/SV-PDF/SV-147.pdf

VENEZUELA The King of Venezuela http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/books/review/Kurtz-Phelan-t.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin

ENDS

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