Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa submission opposing the “Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill”

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is a network of 30+ autonomous groups around New Zealand who support human rights and self-determination for the Palestinian people. We are committed to building and strengthening campaigns for a free Palestine and to isolating the colonial, apartheid state of Israel through BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions)

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa opposes this proposed legislation and urges the Select Committee to recommend it not proceed further.

We are opposed to the legislation because:

1. The legislation is not necessary. Existing law already criminalises espionage which intentionally prejudices the security or defence of New Zealand.
2. The bill has the potential to criminalise people who join friendship groups or solidarity organisations calling for freedom and human rights when these conflict with the policies of the government in power. For example the New Zealand government has condemned every act of Palestinian resistance but refused to condemn Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people. It is clear solidarity groups such as PSNA could come under the threat of prosecution under this legislation if we liaise with Palestinian resistance groups when their actions are seen as opposed to US/New Zealand interests.  Already the pro-Israel lobby frequently make claims along these lines when attacking those standing up for Palestinian human rights.
3. Similarly raising funds to support Palestinian resistance organisations, for example the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine), could be threatened under this legislation despite the PFLP calling for freedom and equal human rights for everyone in a liberated Palestine.
4. As has been pointed out by others such as Maire Leadbeater, the legislation could be used to target critics of New Zealand foreign policy. Maire says:

“There is also real concern that this legislation could capture critics of New Zealand’s foreign and defence policy, especially if they liaise with a ‘foreign country’. There is a global movement of resistance to economic sanctions on Cuba and other countries including Venezuela, and North Korea. Supporters are likely to liaise with representatives of those countries, and perhaps circulate their material. Could that be considered harming New Zealand’s interests?”

1. The legislation reads like something from the days of the cold war. It is a threat to free speech and could have a chilling effect on the free expression, and action in support of, political beliefs in a democracy like New Zealand. We urge the Select Committee to recommend the legislation be dropped and not proceed to a second reading.
2. We wish to be heard at the Select Committee on this proposed legislation.