Nov 8, 2007 4:40 PM

New Zealand’s top lawyer has announced those facing charges in connection with the so-called terror raids will not be charged under the Terrorism Suppression Act.

ONE News revealed last week that Solicitor-General, David Collins QC, was considering whether the charges would be laid against 12 of those arrested after nationwide raids last month.

Speaking to media and lawyers on Thursday afternoon Collins said the key reason why he was not prepared to authorize prosecution under the Terrorism Suppression Act was because there was not sufficient evidence that a group or an entity was planning or preparing to carry out a terrorist act.

“I have advised the Commissioner that I am unable to authorize the prosecutions that have been sought under the Terrorism Suppression Act,” he said.

“In making my decision I have considered all of the evidence that is available to date, assessed the relevant law, applied the law to the evidence, made an assessment of the likelihood of any prosecutions succeeding and decided whether or not it is ultimately in the public interest for the prosecutions to proceed,” he said.

He said some may interpret his decision as a criticism of the police but this was not the case.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. They have acted entirely appropriate in referring the evidence to me,” he said.

Lawyers for the accused were not privy to Collins’ decision before the media conference.

 

Source: ONE News