Media Release from David Small

Claims of ‘No Terrorism’ Vindicated

Broad Must Resign.
Terrorism Bill Needs to be Withdrawn
Inquiry into Surveillance of Political Activists
All Prisoners Must be Bailed.

A University of Canterbury academic on intelligence and security issues and spokesperson for ARENA (Action, Research & Education Network of Aotearoa), says that today’s announcement by the Solicitor-General vindicates his criticisms of October’s ‘anti-terrorism’ raids as a ‘beat-up’.

At the time, David Small noted that the Police, the SIS and other security agencies have a poor record of dealing with political matters. He noted that they had not paid any heed to the High Court judgment against them (excerpt attached) in a case he took against the Police for illegally searching his home.

Dr Small identified some immediate steps that could be taken to start the process of repairing the damage done by the raids.

 Police Commissioner Broad, who staked his reputation on the raids, should resign.

 The Terrorism Suppression Amendment Bill should be withdrawn.

 There should be an open inquiry into the grounds for and the resources that are being devoted to this and other surveillance operations directed at political activists in New Zealand.

 The Police should review their opposition to bail for all the prisoners who are still being held in custody.

Dr Small claimed that the current Anti-Terrorism Bill and the recent raids are tarnishing New Zealand’s international reputation.

He cites last month’s publication of a report entitled “Stamping Out Rights. The Impact of Anti-terrorism Laws on Policing’ by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative for this month’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. He said that the report, which he was involved in, singles out New Zealand as a model for the rest of the Commonwealth. Sadly, recent developments are jeopardising this valuable reputation.

See p.24 of Report at http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/publications/chogm/chogm_2007/default.htm

ENDS

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