Letter to Helen Clark

The Prime Minister
The Rt Hon Helen Clark

25 October 2007

RE: Terrorism bill being discussed in Parliament


Dear Rt Hon Helen Clark
The bill before parliament is alarming to say the least. The recent arrests of Maori and other activists should be allowed full public disclosure of the details of their crimes. If terrorism has started to exist in New Zealand then the best weapon a government has is public alertness and justice being seen to be done.

Shutting down the freedom to protest will reduce public alertness and wither interest in the safety of the community. Individual isolation follows from an inability to voice concern. I think people feel helpless in the face of a legislation largely perceived as draconian.

Incarceration should never be a political threat. I hear writers fearing imprisonment for saying the wrong thing as a genuine possibility arising from the terrorism legislation being discussed.

Civil disobedience and the right to protest are arguably part of the Kiwi character. Legislation to criminalise such would change the nature of this community.


Your sincerely,
Nicholas Alexander
NZ Citizen