The details of recent Police raids are disturbing, according to ACT Leader David Seymour, and authorities must show restraint in enforcing our new gun laws.
Stuff this morning reported on Police raids in Christchurch and Ashburton.
In one, 30 police, including members of the Armed Offenders Squad, raided the property of a man with a history of work in the community. The owner claims Police “pointed a rifle at [his] 12-year-old daughter” and left his entire family anxious and shaken.
In another, 14 officers raided a property, questioning a man about his views on Police and Islam, and then going room to room with weapons clearing his property.
“The events of 15 March in Christchurch are no excuse to trample people’s basic rights or treat ordinary citizens with disrespect.
“It is vital the rule of law is upheld. Police must act within the law and observe due process.
“The rule of law is what separates democracy from tyranny.
“Police have enormous power and officers must exercise it judiciously. Authorities must work with, not against, the gun community in order for the gun buyback to succeed.
“In the wake of Christchurch, Parliament treated the gun community with contempt. It is vital Police don’t make the same mistake.”