Answers on Cancellation of Passport Unsatisfactory
Answers on Cancellation of Passport And Treatment Unsatisfactory
New Zealand First is calling on the government to state clearly why a New Zealander had his passport cancelled, and his property and business raided, and why the SIS was involved.
“We raised questions about the treatment of New Zealand businessman Anthony Fullman in Parliament but the government was evasive in its replies, and failed to take the matter seriously,” says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.
“A question was put to the Minister of Internal Affairs, asking if Mr Fullman’s passport was withdrawn at the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the basis that Mr Fullman had been involved in plotting a coup in Fiji.
“Responding on behalf of the Minister, Gerry Brownlee claimed there were many reasons why a passport might be withdrawn.
“He responded in the same manner when asked if Internal Affairs had received advice from the SIS.
“Indeed, he gave the same answer three times in a row, despite the serious issue that Mr Fullman received grievous treatment, and was later judged innocent by the court.
“Mr Brownlee also provided an unsatisfactory response when asked if ministerial and departmental actions should be an instrument for oppression and harassment against law-abiding residents legally in New Zealand.
“The government must come clean and reveal the facts around Mr Fullman’s treatment and, at the very least, apologise,” says Mr Peters.
ENDS