New Zealand Government Communications Security Bureau Illegally Targeted Kim Dotcom, Bram van der Kolk and Their Families
September 24th, 2012—
Via: New Zealand Herald:
An inquiry into unlawful bugging by the Government’s foreign intelligence arm relates to intercepted communications by Kim Dotcom himself and his co-accused Bram van der Kolk, as well as their families.
The Prime Minister today announced that he had asked the Inspector General for an inquiry into unlawful interception of communications in the Dotcom case by the Government Communications Security Bureau.
The Government Communications Security Bureau is explicitly prohibited by law from intercepting the communications of any New Zealand citizen or permanent resident – it can only intercept communications of foreign organisations or people.
Dotcom’s lawyer Greg Towers confirmed the interceptions in question related to Mr Dotcom, Mr Bram van der Kolk and their families, all of whom were New Zealand residents.
“At the end of the day, until we get the outcome of the inquiry we really don’t know to what extent there has been illegality. We know it’s been illegal because they’ve admitted it.”
…
Green Party co-leader Russel Norman said the actions of the GCSB should be concerning to all New Zealanders.
“A number of New Zealand agencies, including the police, have bent over backwards to assist the United States in prosecuting Mr Dotcom,” said Dr Norman.
“Government agencies should not, however, break New Zealand’s laws to assist another country.
“The Kim Dotcom case doesn’t appear to constitute a threat to New Zealand’s national security, so it is hard to understand why the GCSB considered it should be involved at all.”
Related: Secret Power, New Zealand’s Role in the International Spy Network, by Nicky Hager
