4 December 2014

Law Society welcomes changes to Terrorist Fighters Bill

The New Zealand Law Society has welcomed the changes to the Countering Terrorist Fighters Legislation Bill recommended by the Foreign Affairs and Defence select committee.

“We are pleased that the more extreme elements of the bill have been pulled back. Many of the recommendations in our submission have been taken on board,” Law Society President Chris Moore said.

“In particular we support the shortening of the period the law will be in force, increased safeguards for visual surveillance by the SIS, and the halving of time limits for warrantless searches, as well as increased safeguards.

“The Law Society remains deeply concerned at the parliamentary procedure used to progress this bill. The unnecessary rush has impaired the scrutiny given to this bill. This is a bad way to make law,” Mr Moore said.

ENDS

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