New Zealand's parliament approves new anti-terrorism lawsDecember 10, 2014 - 10:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - New Zealand's parliament has approved new anti-terrorism laws aimed at countering the domestic threat posed by overseas extremist groups. The bill passed late on Tuesday, Dec 9, by 94 votes to 27. It permits video surveillance for 24 hours without a warrant and the cancellation of passports for up to three years for those suspected of involvement in terrorism, BBC News reports. Prime Minister John Key said it was a response to an evolving situation. "The threats faced by New Zealand have grown and it is important that we have the ability to respond to that," Key said in a statement. In a speech last month, he said there were individuals inspired by militant Islamist groups such as the Islamic State (IS) "who are attracted to carrying out domestic attacks". "Government agencies have a watch list of between 30 and 40 people of concern in the foreign fighter category," he said on Nov 4. “These are people in or from New Zealand who are in various ways participating in extremist behavior.” Some had travelled to Syria to fight, he said, while others were involved in funding extremism or radicalizing other people. The "Countering Terrorist Fighters Legislation Bill", which was also backed by the opposition Labor party, is temporary and will expire in 2017. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. Prosecutors to appeal Armenia ex-President’s acquittal Sargsyan was acquitted on Friday, May 31 more than four years after going on trial on corruption charges. Armenia: 28 protesters arrested after clash with police The Investigative Committee of Armenia has announced the arrest of 28 participants of an opposition demonstration. |