GLOBALPEACE&JUSTICE AUCKLAND
www.gpja.org.nz

13 November 2007
Media Release:

Soothing words from Prime Minister while vicious legislation takes centre-stage today

Prime Minister Helen Clark's suggestion that anti-terror laws may not be needed in New Zealand is a welcome change from the bellicose statements she has made against those arrested in nationwide para-military raids on October 15th.

We welcome the suggestion of repealing these anti-democratic laws but we reject the suggestion that current laws under the Crimes Act be extended to give police greater power to prosecute people for what may amount to no more than idle threats.

This would effectively be setting up laws to prosecute "thought crimes" where no actual crime has been planned or enacted but where people discussing threats against others could be charged.

The problem with the arrests on October 15th lies with the mindset of police who see protest activity and activists in general as part of the spectrum of threats against the country. In reality dissent is the lifeblood of democracy.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister is pushing ahead today with a piece of vicious anti-democratic legislation which extends her power to be judge and jury in designating so-called "terrorist" groups as well as removing several important safeguards for civil rights of New Zealanders.

The Prime Minister says we need this law to meet our UN obligations. However this is just 5% UN obligation and 95% stripping New Zealanders of civil rights.

The Prime Minister is indeed speaking with a forked tongue.

ENDS

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