Police Interfere in Political Campaign

The raid by Police on a political meeting at the Daktory is a clear violation of civil and political rights.

The club, a converted factory, is a centre for cannabis activists in Auckland. The raid has disrupted preparation for a nationwide tour of in February which is to end with a rally at parliament.

The clubs founder Dakta Green is the Auckland representative for NORML New Zealand. It is also the base for NORML's campaign bus. Members meet at the club every day to work on the group's political campaigns. "They share ideas, they paint signs. They prepare leaflets and campaign material"

The club is also used by The Drug Rights Project, a new group campaigning for drug laws based on human rights.

"The Daktory is a key part of the nationwide campaign against cannabis laws" said Mr.Green It shows the viability of responsibly run cannabis clubs and it is a place where activists meet and organise political events"

Dakta Green has had an important court case disrupted by the seizure of his computer and cellphone.

"Police activity is undermining my court case and the court case of three other club members. They have seized my hard-drives and my cellphones. They even seized an internet router.

"An independent documentary maker making a film about cannabis in New Zealand has had his camera, editing equipment and all his footage seized. To try and shut down public debate like this is a clear violation of our right to free speech"

"We are engaged in an open and honest campaign to have our rights respected. With their actions Police have undermined my right to a fair trial. They are disrupting a political campaign and that is not acceptable"

"The campaign against discrimination and prohibition actually serves the Police and public's best interests. Valuable police resources are being diverted to persecute cannabis users when Police I am sure would much rather be dealing with crime"

www.daktory.org.nz

ENDS

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