The Green Party is criticising the Police’s decision to not investigate evidence of criminal activity detailed in the book Dirty Politics.
The Green Party is criticising the Police’s decision to not investigate evidence of criminal activity detailed in the book Dirty Politics.
The Police wrote to the Green Party yesterday to confirm they will not be investigating a range of alleged activities detailed in the book, including the hacking of the Labour Party database and blackmail of politicians.
“We think the Police have got it wrong. There is clear evidence contained in Dirty Politics that deserves further investigation,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.
“Contrast the Police’s decision with that of the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security, who did act on the information contained in Dirty Politics, and in the course of her investigation uncovered significant wrongdoing and a factual basis to the claims in the book.
“It is a Catch-22. The Police are saying there is insufficient evidence to investigate, but we need a proper investigation in order to gather the further evidence needed.
“It is our view there is more than sufficient evidence contained in Dirty Politics to warrant an investigation, and that is what the Police should act on.
“There is a double standard in the Police’s dealing with complaints. They were quick to take Cameron Slater’s complaint seriously and raid Nicky Hager’s house, but sat on our complaint for months and still haven’t made a decision to look at the clear as day allegations of hacking of the Labour Party database by staff in the Prime Minister’s office.
“We would be very concerned if the Police are applying different thresholds for launching criminal investigations depending on what side of politics you come from.
“We need the Police to act fairly, and I have real questions as to whether they have in this instance.”
