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New Zealand's top lawyer says no one arrested in the nationwide
police raids will face terrorism charges because of insufficient
evidence and messy legislation.
But David Collins QC says the police did the right thing swooping
on those arrested.
Even before the Solicitor-General dropped his embarrassing bomb shell, there was anger bubbling over on the steps of parliament about how the investigation has been handled.
Joining the protest Maori Party MP Hone Harawira remarked: "How dare they arrest Tame Iti. What are the chances he is a terrorist leading a terrorist organisation? This is b*****t."
Harawira didn't have to wait long for an answer.
"I have advised the Commissioner that I am unable to authorise the prosecutions that have been sought under the Terrorism Suppression Act," said Collins.
The response from friends and supporters of those arrested was swift.
"We're absolutely thrilled... It's a huge weight off the shoulders of the families, off the individuals and... of every political activist in New Zealand," said activist, John Minto.
The Solicitor-General was at pains to defend the actions of the police who snapped up the likes of Iti, along with Jamie Lockett and various environmentalists and activists just three weeks ago.
Collins said some may interpret his decision as a criticism of
the police but this was not the case.
"Nothing could be further from the truth. They have acted entirely
appropriate in referring the evidence to me," he said.
But the reason these anti-terror cases will go no further is clumsy legislation.
"I am of the view there is insufficient evidence to the very high standard required in the legislation," Collins said.
Operation Eight, as it's called, saw the police labelled storm troopers and prompted protests to hit the streets raging against alleged heavy handed tactics.
The police say they stand by their actions but regret the stress and hurt they have caused.
"I am disappointed with the decision but I am pleased that the Solicitor-General has considered our investigation justified and in the public interest," said Police Commissioner Howard Broad.
But none of this is good enough for the supporters of those arrested. They believe the stigma of alleged terrorism will stick for a life time.
"They have been branded terrorists by the police and that's been bandied right across New Zealand through the media and that's absolutely unconscionable," says Minto.
Those arrested in the raids will still face numerous fire arms charges.
