Strong evidence justifies NZ police raids... (LINK)
October 24th 2007 03:37
Strong evidence justifies NZ police raids ...
The recent anti-terrorist raids carried out in various parts of New Zealand, including the remote Urewera ranges, were the result of what has been described as a multi-agency investigation: the Security Intelligence Service, Government Communications Security Bureau, the military and the police.
A New Zealand Sunday newspaper reported that a secret agent within the alleged terrorist movement had provided startling information that included weapon testing, war training and plans for a multi-pronged attack on key targets inside New Zealand. Hardly a hunting party?
A senior MP said the diplomatic protection squad was told of suspicious activity in bushlands near Bay of Plenty town of Ruatoki in 2002 - five years ago!
The investigation wasn't an overnight decision, but a meticulously planned operation with video and audio surveillance, the unnamed MP stated.
It is understood that senior Labour ministers, including PM Helen Clark, defence minister Phil Goff,deputy PM Michael Cullen, and police minister Annette King, were briefed before search warrants were issued. Opposition leader John Key was also briefed.
Many agencies have been involved in gathering information and evidence against various people, since arrested.
Police Association secretary, Greg O'Connor, soundly rejected claims that the raids were racially based, and were not police versus Maori. He is also critical of the many half truths being circulated. Several hundred people have protested against police tactics, but no information will be forthcoming until court hearings have been held to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Mr O'Connor claimed that there was an element of policing with one hand tied behind the back because of the rules of evidence. Emotional manipulation was fueling an anti-police backlash.
The facts cannot be publicly shared because it would jeopardise criminal cases. Protesters are well aware of this.
Criminals allegedly didn't respect school buses either, according to Mr O'Connor, four years ago armed gang members wanted in relation to a homicide, attempted escape from police by hiding on a Kohanga Reo ( pre-school) bus full of young children.
Personally, I would be totally surprised if the efforts of investigations by government security agencies, the military and police was involved in a few juveniles play-acting or Walter Mitty types fantasising. They wish! It is a little more serious than that.
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