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Police Threat Assessment Dec '02: Ahmed El Zaoui
INTRODUCTORY NOTE:
The following is the NZ police threat assessment written in December 2002 on the arrival of Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui in New Zealand. It was released to Scoop.co.nz under the Official Information Act.
This threat assessment has today come back to the fore as a result of complaints by Progressive MP Matt Robson (See… Zaoui: Police error shows need for review). Mr Robson's complains relate to the description last Monday by the NZ Government of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), as a terrorist entity with ties to Al Qaeda.
This morning the PM was reported as saying that the police were wrong in so describing the FIS, the organisation to which Ahmed Zaoui belongs.
– Scoop Co-Editor Alastair Thompson
NEW ZEALAND POLICE
NATIONAL BUREAU OF CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE
Threat Assessment Unit
Subject: Ahmed El Zaoui
Date: 11 December
2002
CONFIDENTIAL
Introduction
On the 4 December 2002 the above subject entered New Zealand. As a result of enquiries by Customs, Police and Immigration it was established that he was wanted on an international warrant relating to terrorism.
As a result El Zaoui was arrested and incarcerated at Papkura Police station where he has remained. He appeared in the Papakura District Court and has subsequently been remanded in custody under immigration processes for 28 days.
Assessment
El Zaoui is considered to be a senior member of GIA which is a terrorist group originating from Algeria.
This group historically has been involved in several violent acts in furtherance of their cause (refer website www.larouchepub.com).
EL ZAOUI although associated to this group has not been held directly responsible for any terrorist acts.
Risk
El Zaoui is not seen by New Zealand authority as posing a physically risk to personal who may be involved in his incarceration.
It should be noted that his association to the GIA makes him a target of some government organisations within Algeria and also there is a potential risk he may attempt to make contact with other members of the GIA.
There is also a risk of him trying to instigate relationships in New Zealand to assist him in gaining legal residential status in New Zealand.
There is also a Political risk that he will try to gain some support by utilizing the media.
Media
To date there has been a total media blanket in relation to this individual. This is to continue and any media interest in this matter should be referred to assistant Commissioner Jon white at the Office of the Commissioner.
Police Requirements
Police request that the following actions be taken by Corrections
1. Monitor and record all phone
details of all visitors to El Zaoui;
2. Monitor and
record all phone calls to and from El Zaoui;
3. Search
all visitors to El Zaoui;
4. Keep El Zaoui isolated from
other prisoners to avoid potential violent reaction for his
safety.
Prepared by
Name: D. B Potaka
Rank: Detective
Sergeant 5972
TAU
NBCI
Authorised for Distribution
G.C.M KNOWLES
Detective Inspector
O/C
NBCI
Distribution
Assistant Commissioner Jon
White
National Crime Manager
O/C: CIS/TAU,
Auckland
Mr Wayne Le Harve Crime prevention Officer
Paremeremo
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