October 15th Solidarity - Remember the state terror raids

Solidarity statement with arrestees of 2007 police terror raids

National Executive of RAM - Residents Action Movement
24 August 2008

RAM condemns the clear abuses of state power which occurred during the 2007 anti-terror raids, particularly the blatantly illegal conduct by members of the NZ Police Force, and the nature of the legislation with which the accused were initially charged (the Terrorism Suppression Act), as grounds for objection by any reasonable citizen.

The use of phone-taps and other contraventions of the rights of the accused during evidence gathering by the Police, and the manner of the arrests themselves, render the entirety of the raids incompatible with the values of a free, democratic society.

The decision of the Solicitor General not to lay charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act, and the possibility of that act's repeal, are to be applauded as steps away from the slippery slope to US Patriot Act-style legislation which this country had been heading towards.

However, the fact remains that numerous individuals were wrongfully targeted under this legislation, and in all probability remain under covert surveillance to this day. Those individuals charged with "minor" offences are likely to have their cases prejudiced by the circumstances under which the charges were laid. Obviously such a state of affairs is highly repugnant, and deserving of condemnation.

With this in mind, RAM extends its solidarity to the persons unfairly targeted by the state apparatus.