So, Tame Iti has finally been charged with firearms offenses. Fair enough, though like many I am wondering why it took them so long. What I'm really wondering though is whether the Police will also charge him with dishonouring the New Zealand flag, or whether they have learned their lesson...
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8 comments:
It's called "community relations"...
I believe no-one got shot or felt themselves threatened - at least not sufficiently to file a complaint. So it would be reasonable police practice not to press charges for a symbolic, victimless act.
Posted by Rich : 2/04/2005 11:17:00 AM
Certainly - but OTOH, I don't think I really object to prosecuting people who fool around with guns in public.
And OTOH, it casts a different light on opposition claims of "special treatment". If this sort of thing is not normally prosecuted, then Iti is being treated differently on account of his race - but in a worse fashion than usual, and due to the actions of opposition MPs...
Posted by Idiot/Savant : 2/04/2005 11:53:00 AM
come on Rich - do you really want people at all the protests to be discharing firearms?
You will make the police nervous they will start carrying big guns and shooting first and asking questions later, and people will get killed.
If you allow fire arms at such heated events people will die as a direct result.
Posted by Genius : 2/04/2005 12:05:00 PM
BTW if it is not normally prosecuted IT SHOULD BE - so we should procecute this man AND anyone who has done it in the past or future. Dig up the old video footage and kick their asses.
Posted by Genius : 2/04/2005 12:12:00 PM
I think someone was charged for some sort of performance art thing incorporating firearms at an Elam Art School Ball some years ago so (assuming I'm right) the fact a gesture is intended as symbolic doesn't make much difference.
Posted by Amanda : 2/04/2005 02:00:00 PM
If no one (who was present) pressed charges because, say, Tama Iti was responsible with his firearm, did not threaten anyone, and did not seem to be breaking the law, then the Police would be reluctant to press charge until they have legal advice. The last thing they want is to arrest an armed person (which would require an Armed Offender callout), followed by a court case without convition. The precident set would seriously weaken future cases.
Remember, this is New Zealand, firearms are tools of trade (or recreation) and not implements of violence. As I understand it, it is legal to carry firearms in public here, provided they are unconcealed and kept safely.
Finally, as a symbolic act, how different was this to say a rifle salute at an old soldier's funeral, or the cannons on Anzac day?
Posted by Anonymous : 2/04/2005 03:59:00 PM
According to Three News iti has in fact been charged with desecrating the flag. I guess the police want another kicking on that front...
Posted by Idiot/Savant : 2/04/2005 06:18:00 PM
I hear that iti said it was an australian flag.
thats a slam dunk not guilty if there ever was one !
Posted by Genius : 2/06/2005 03:26:00 PM
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