新西兰英语 495 Police drop charges against Tuhoe（在线收听） |
In October 2007, 17 people were arrested on Tuhoe land in the Urewera district in the North Island. These people all belong to the Maori iwi Tuhoe or are supporters of the Tuhoe. The police believed they were training for terrorist activities against New Zealand. The Tuhoe have always said that they did not sign the Treaty of Waitangi and they did not agree to give up their land. They say they live in an independent state, not in New Zealand. The 17 people arrested have been on bail since then, waiting for a trial. For many reasons, the trial was delayed. Now the police have dropped charges against 13 of those people which means there will be no trial. The reason is that the Chief Justice, Sian Elias, ruled that the police used hidden cameras to get evidence and this was illegal. Also, these cameras were on private land – Tuhoe land – and it was against the New Zealand Bill of Rights to trespass on private land.
However, the police did not drop charges against the other four people. They are charged with more serious crimes like planning murder, arson and kidnapping. Because these are serious crimes, the evidence from hidden cameras can be used. Their trial will begin in February next year.
Vocabulary
charges – accused of a particular crime e.g. having a gun but no gun licence
on bail – not in prison; usually someone has to pay bail money to make sure they do not run away
Chief Justice – the number 1 judge of the Supreme Court
evidence – proof e.g. fingerprints, photos
trespass – going into private property without permission
arson – deliberately setting fire to a building or land |
| 原文地址：http://www.tingroom.com/lesson/NewZealand/225983.html |