Inquiry into GCSB must be transparent

The Government Communications Security Bureau’s (GCSB) unlawful actions in regard to the Kim Dotcom case should be of concern to all New Zealanders, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today.

Prime Minister John Key today ordered an inquiry into "unlawful" interceptions in the Dotcom case by the GCSB.

“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.

“The GCSB’s involvement in the Dotcom case highlights the lack of oversight of the GCSBs operations.

“John Key as the Minister responsible for the GCSB, needs to make certain that those responsible for breaching New Zealand law are held to account.

“The investigation of this case by the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security must be transparent with the Inspector’s findings made public at the conclusion,” Dr Norman said.