July 17, 2014

Political Masters – Not Police – Responsible for Illegal Spying

The outcome of the Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation into the failure of police to investigate illegal spying on New Zealanders confirms the need to establish a fit-for-purpose inquiry into the actions of New Zealand’s intelligence agencies in general, as well as the specifics of the Kim Dotcom case.

IPCA has supported a police decision not to initiate prosecutions over illegal spying on New Zealanders by the Government Communications Security Bureau.

Internet Party leader Laila Harré said the Dotcom case had gone a long way past holding a few state servants to account.

“The scale of the case is beyond is the normal review and oversight processes. We want a Royal Commission of Inquiry with the full powers needed to scrutinise the illegal spying and accountability for it. That scrutiny must extend to the Prime Minister as the Minister responsible.

“We will not get to the truth, or to justice for the 88 New Zealanders at the heart of today’s report, through a piecemeal approach.”

Ms Harré said the case should worry every New Zealander who believed in open democracy.

“The big picture is that agencies of the state operated outside the law against individuals and absolutely no one is being held accountable. A Royal Commission must examine in detail what happened, point to those responsible and make recommendations for new laws that ensure that a case like this never happens again.

“New Zealand’s security and law enforcement agencies cannot be used like a second rate private detective firm.

“Until the Royal Commission is established the Prime Minister must front up and answer serious questions about the illegal operations of the departments he is in charge of.”

ENDS

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