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

Link to this

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

show quoted sections

Link to this

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
                   

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Andrew Li

Hi Brittany,

Who are the third parties being consulted?

Thanks,
Andrew

Link to this

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

show quoted sections

Link to this

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.

Link to this

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

Link to this

From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police


Attachment image001.png
10K Download

Attachment image002.png
1K Download

Attachment image003.png
0K Download

Attachment image004.png
1K Download

Attachment image005.png
1K Download

Attachment Li Andrew IR 01 22 9098 Response.pdf
458K Download View as HTML


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

[1]wordmark transparent

 

[2][IMG][3][IMG][4][IMG][5][IMG]

 

 

===============================================================

WARNING

The information contained in this email message is intended for the
addressee only and may contain privileged information. It may also be
subject to the provisions of section 50 of the Policing Act 2008, which
creates an offence to have unlawful possession of Police property. If you
are not the intended recipient of this message or have received this
message in error, you must not peruse, use, distribute or copy this
message or any of its contents.

Also note, the views expressed in this message may not necessarily reflect
those of the New Zealand Police. If you have received this message in
error, please email or telephone the sender immediately

References

Visible links
2. https://www.youtube.com/user/policenz
3. http://www.police.govt.nz/facebook
4. http://www.police.govt.nz/twitter
5. http://www.police.govt.nz/instagram

Link to this

Things to do with this request

Anyone:
New Zealand Police only: