A legal challenge against the Coalition Government’s gang patch ban has likened the law to oppressive regimes such as Nazi Germany and the Taliban.
Lawyer Chris Nicholls is appealing the conviction of 19-year-old Mana-Apiti Brown, a gang member who was convicted for wearing a Nomads cap in a public place under the new legislation introduced in November.
Nicholls argued the law “disproportionately targets Māori”, infringes on “fundamental human rights”, and criminalises individuals “based solely on clothing choices”.
The High Court heard that Parliament had dismissed gang insignia as “low value” expression, in terms of the right to freedom of expression, a stance Nicholls strongly opposed, citing historical lessons of discrimination.
The Crown maintains the conviction was appropriate and aligned with the law’s intent to curb gang-related intimidation.
High Court Justice Christine Grice has reserved her decision.
No ifs, no buts, no maybes.
We the people have the right to peaceful gather, to associate, to wear insignia, to wear uniform, to protest, to march.
The Gangs Act 2024 violates basic human rights, like it or not.
You can’t have it both ways.
Gangs who can’t adhere to the other side of the deal, i.e. gangs who cause fear, intimidation, and disruption to the public, do face police scrutiny with the laws we already have.
I hope people, quick with objections, do realize that these ‘gang bans’ can be used for political groups then too.
Wake up New Zealand.
It is a human rights abuse. A stealth tactic to gradually take away the right of freedom of expression from everyone, for the morons applauding and clapping but not paying attention.
Anyone voting for mainstream globalist Fascism will get just that.
Oh and NZ courts are largely corrupt, we saw this under COVID. Expect zero just from them.
The New Zealand Police wear a ‘patch’ called the ‘Coat of arms of New Zealand’. Police corporation members are known to intimidate the general public, discriminate, utilize excessive force and knowingly lie to secure a charge or conviction; in their daily duties. The Blue Gang.