17 March 2004

National’s spokesperson has complete disregard for rule of law

Dr Wayne Mapp, National’s spokesperson on Immigration and Constitutional and Treaty of Waitangi Issues, in his rush to deport permanent residents has shown that a National government would erode the rule of law.

“Instead of simply accepting an allegation as a fact, National should be querying why the rules of natural justice do not apply to everyone in New Zealand,” said Progressive MP Matt Robson.

“Over the years I have taken up a number of cases on behalf of residents after the NZ Security Intelligence Service has vetoed their citizenship applications. I have been dismayed at the adoption of hearsay evidence by the SIS and the denial of natural justice.

“Terrorism will not be defeated by eroding democratic procedures. In the Zaoui case, the SIS, Customs and the Police have shown that they consider themselves above the law. The Ombudsman is now investigating that case at my request.

“Reform is needed to provide for natural justice,” said Matt Robson MP.

ENDS

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