Police praised for arrest in hate mail case

The Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) Mervin Singham says all communities need to know that the Police are there to help them.

He praised the Police for their investigation leading to the arrest today of an Upper Hutt man in relation to the sending of offensive letters to members of Wellington’s Islamic community.

Mr Singham said news of the man’s arrest and appearance in court today on a charge of criminal harassment would be welcomed in communities distressed by the letters.

“The Police have invested significant time and resources in this matter and I am sure that everyone affected by this offensive and humiliating act will be encouraged by the result.

“I’m also pleased that the Office of Ethnic Affairs was able to play a small role in helping the Police at a time of great anxiety for Wellington’s Muslim community.”

Mr Singham said he hoped the Police action also demonstrated to ethnic communities and faith-based groups that the police took such crimes seriously.

“There is simply no place for this type of offending in our society, but if it does happen, every member of every community needs to know that the police will investigate such crimes and, where possible, they will prosecute those responsible.”

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