Legal Experts Not For ‘Complete Ban’ on Gunman’s Hate Manifesto

Some legal experts in New Zealand are not for a 'complete ban' on the Christchurch gunman's hate manifesto. The Free Speech Coalition says the manifesto could be important for the society to understand a dark part of their history.

Stephen Franks, the Coalition's spokesman and constitutional lawyer said most New Zealanders will have no interest in reading the rants of an evil person. But, he said there is a major debate going on the causes of extremism. "Kiwis should not be wrapped in cotton wool with their news and information censored. New Zealanders need to be able to understand the nature of evil and how it expresses itself.

Franks argues that Hilter's manifesto, Mein Kampf was easily available in bookshops for that reason.

New Zealand's chief censor has classified the manifesto as objectionable, which brings the threat of up to 14 years' jail for anyone caught with a copy or caught sharing it. Graeme Edgeler, Wellington public law specialist said a full ban went too far. He supports restricted access. "Journalists, researchers and academics could apply for an exemption to the ban, but that was not practical when working on tight deadlines," Edgeler said you have to be at least 18, you have to work for a news organization which is subject to the New Zealand Broadcasting Standards Authority or the New Zealand Media Council.

However, Michael Bott, a human rights lawyer supports the ban. He said requiring journalists and academics to make formal applications meant any dubious fringe publications or spurious research claims could be ruled out.