Radical Cross Stitch

Normally, I’d be giving Australians a hard time for living in a police state, but after hearing the news this morning, it definitely sounds like New Zealand should be getting that criticism.

In a nationally coordinated raid, Police have searched residences across the country, made at least 16 arrests and many more have been taking in for questioning. Charges laid so far have reportedly been gun-related, but Police have said they will be looking to lay more.

Given that there is a mildly lengthy process that needs to be gone through to lay charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act, it is likely that any charges laid under that act wouldn’t be able to be made immediately.

Allegedly police have gone to these extreme lengths because they believe a network known as ‘Freedom Fighters’ has been training Tino Rangatiratanga, environmental and peace activists in military techniques for potential planned nation-wide attacks. Smiths Dream anyone?

The evidence that the police have allegedly comes from under cover operatives and informants, as well as electronic surveillance.

Two well-known anarchist flats; the Necropolis in Auckland and 128 in Wellington, were also raided and arrests have been made.

I firstly want to extend my biggest aroha and solidarity to all the crew who got their lives temporarily turned upside down this morning. Having the Police raid your house, whether any arrests are made or not, is a fucking pain in the ass. And it can be really scary, especially if you’ve got kids around, which I understand some of the houses involved did. So kia kaha you lot, and get some good lawyers. This one could be really fun in court, find representation who gets it.

Secondly, I want to thoroughly condemn what has happened. We always warned that these laws would be used to target activists and despite repeated assurances from the government that is wouldn’t, this is exactly what we have seen today.

It appears that the police have used this as an excuse to bring just about everyone on their watch-lists ie people who take an active role in opposing an unjust world, in for questioning, or arrested them. I am aware that there have been other houses visited by police without warrants, so it seems to be wider than what will be reported by the propoganda press too.

Let me make this clear to anyone reading this who doesn’t get just how fucked up this situation is. Standing up for a world without war, justice for indigenous people, justice for the planet DOES NOT make you a terrorist. Getting a warrant from a judge and dressing a bunch of coppers up in their war gear DOES NOT mean that the people concerned are guilty. This is called the criminalisation of dissent.

For those of us in Melbourne, we will be standing up in solidarity tomorrow.

Come and demonstrate your solidarity with our brother & sister activists in Aotearoa, and show your disgust at state repression and the criminalisation of dissent.

Consulate-General of New Zealand

Suite 2, North Level 3 350 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3001

11am Tuesday the 16^th of October

Tautoko atu a wairua, a hinengaro, a tinana hoki

Ka Whawhai tonu matou ake ake ake !!!!!

For those of you that want a bit of history about the recent moves to make New Zealand a Police State, check out the Greens Campaign Page. There’s heaps of good info on there including info about the Terrorism Suppression Act .

And for the latest up-to-date info without the corporate hype, check Aotearoa Indymedia.