Inquiry into prosecutions of war crimes by New Zealand mercenaries
Andrew Li made this Official Information request to New Zealand Police
The request was partially successful.
From: Andrew Li
Dear New Zealand Police,
In November last year, North and South Magazine published an article revealing that New Zealanders have participated as mercenaries against the populations of Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, on behalf of the US and other rogue states, and that they have committed numerous war crimes against civilians.
https://northandsouth.co.nz/2021/11/26/n...
1) What action is the New Zealand Police taking to prosecute those who have violated both New Zealand law and international law in committing terrorist actions against civilians and freedom fighters abroad since 2001?
2) How many ongoing cases relate to violations of the Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Bill?
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Li
From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police
Kia ora Andrew
I acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act (OIA) request below, received by New Zealand Police on 30 March 2022.
Your request is being actioned pursuant to the OIA. You can expect a response to your request on or before 2 May 2022.
Kind regards, Brittany
Ministerial Services PNHQ
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From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police
Tēnā koe Andrew
I refer to your request of 30 March for the following information:
"In November last year, North and South Magazine published an article revealing that New Zealanders have participated as mercenaries against the populations of Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, on behalf of the US and other rogue states, and that they have committed numerous war crimes against civilians.
https://northandsouth.co.nz/2021/11/26/n...
1) What action is the New Zealand Police taking to prosecute those who have violated both New Zealand law and international law in committing terrorist actions against civilians and freedom fighters abroad since 2001?
2) How many ongoing cases relate to violations of the Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Bill?"
I have been asked to advise you that Police requires an extension of time in which to respond to your request, pursuant to section 15A(1) of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Specifically, section 15A(1)(b), consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.
Police requires until 23 May to provide a substantive response to your request. We are endeavouring to provide this to you as soon as possible.
You have the right, under section 28(3) of the OIA, to make a complaint to an Ombudsman about this extension.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this decision, please feel free to contact [email address].
Ngā mihi
Brittany
Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police National Headquarters Wellington
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From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police
Kia ora Andrew
The OIA allows agencies to extend for internal consultations where those are necessary to make a decision on a request.
Many thanks, Brittany
Ministerial Services, PNHQ
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From: Andrew Li
Thanks Brittany,
If I don't receive a response as to why these 'consultations' were required with the (delayed) response to the original inquiry, I will expect one no later than May 30.
Cheers,
Andrew
From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police
Tēnā koe Andrew
Please find attached the response to your Official Information Act
request, received by New Zealand Police on 30 March 2022.
Ngā mihi,
Jeremy
Ministerial Services |
Strategy & Partnerships |PNHQ
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Mark Hanna left an annotation ()
As you are likely aware, your question "Who are the third parties being consulted?" is a fresh request for official information. NZ Police is legally obliged to respond to this request as soon as reasonably practicable, and no later than 20 working days. Their response regarding the vague basis underpinning the consultation clearly does not answer your question.
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