Dunedin sedition charge dropped

Last month, in a perfect example of the absurdity which the law has descended to since its revival, the manager of Dunedin's Bowling Green Tavern was charged with sedition over advertisments in which he offered students the chance to win a petrol-soaked couch and swap petrol for beer. The charge has now been dropped after legal advice from Police National Headquarters that there was insufficient evidence to prove the crime. As they had flyers and an admission of publication, this almost certainly means they felt they could not prove an intent to incite violence, lawlessness or disorder. Alternatively, they realised that it simply wouldn't pass the laugh test. The pub manager will not be charged with anything else.

I'm glad to see that freedom of speech (and simple sanity) have won out in the end. But this charge should never have been laid in the first place, and if we want to prevent the police from abusing this vague and over-broad law in future, it is vital that we repeal it.