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Criticism against the Government
and their decision to punish deep-sea oil drilling protestors
with a $100,000 fine or jail time is mounting.
Geoffrey Palmer, a member of a group
concerned with this issue,
says this could be seen as an affront to human rights.
But will Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy and Resources
change his mind?
The Green Party have labelled it 'the Petrobras Law'
and are calling for its withdrawal.
Mr Bridges defended the legislation.
He said the Government wants to stop criminal damage, not protests.
In amendments to the Crown Mining Bill,
Bridges is proposing prison terms and fines of up to $100,000
for protesters who interfere with offshore mining operations.
It's raising serious concerns about consistency with NZ's
international obligations and the Bill of Rights Act.
Prominent legal reps, including Dame Anne Salmond
and Sir Geoffrey Palmer,
released information in a report saying this legislation
is a breach of international law and attacks democratic freedoms.
Another legal spokesman is calling it fascist
and draconian legislation.
But Bridges is adamant.
The bill is up for debate again this week.
Peata Melbourne, Te Karere.