6 November, 2000

MEDIA STATEMENT

PETERS BACKS CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO SECRET WITNESS ALLEGATIONS

HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR INDEPENDENT POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY

The Rt Hon Winston Peters MP, Leader of New Zealand First backed calls by the Criminal Bar Association for a full and independent investigation into allegations that police pressured a witness to lie during the Scott Watson trial.

“It is imperative that investigations into this matter be independent and not exclusively handled by the Police. This is not because the Police have necessarily done anything wrong but because only an independent inquiry can assure the public that correct procedures have been followed.

“The Police Complaints Authority does not have the independence that is required to carry out this investigation and this matter again highlights the need for a Complaints Authority that it is separate from the Police,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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