SIS Minister Chris Finlayson: definition of foreign fighters is “tolerably clear’

The Minister in charge of the SIS, Chris Finlayson, told TV One’s Q+A programme that the definition of foreign fighter under the Government’s anti-terrorism bill is “tolerably clear”.

He rejected Green Party concerns that the definition is unclear:

CHRIS FINLAYSON: Oh I think that any fair minded person looking at the situation know that there is a great difference and a bright line that can be drawn between those who are opposed to a particular form …

CORIN Who draws that line?

CHRIS FINLAYSON Or are wanting to protest something and cross the line into eco-terrorism.

CORIN But the line hasn’t been drawn in legislation, so who draws it.

CHRIS FINLAYSON I just do not see when one looks at legislation like the Terrorism Suppression Act for example, that there can be any doubt at the United Nations Security Resolution 2178 makes it clear about what countries are to do to stop people getting involved in this sort of thing.

Mr Finlayson said the Government doesn’t want any New Zealand citizens fighting in the Middle East, regardless of what side they are on:

“Same principle, we do not want any New Zealanders getting caught up in this mess in the Middle East. It is very dangerous, whether they go off and want to fight for the Kurds, or want to fight for ISIL. It is best for them and for this country that they stay well clear of it.”

Q+A, 9-10am Sundays on TV ONE and one hour later on TV ONE plus 1. Repeated Sunday evening at 11:35pm. Streamed live at www.tvnz.co.nz

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ENDS

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