Fighting for democracy?
Written By:
- Date published:
3:00 pm, November 20th, 2009 - 15 comments
Categories: activism, afghanistan, International -
Tags: Joe Glenton
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton is facing prison after speaking out at an anti-war rally.
A British soldier was arrested on Monday for speaking out at an anti-war rally and refusing to return to fight in Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Joe Glenton has been charged not just with desertion, but with new charges under the Armed Forces Act 2006 which came into force on October 31st – the same day an interview with him was published in The Guardian. If convicted, Glenton could be facing more than ten years in prison.
Military people are allowed to speak to the media if they toe the line and defend the war in Afghanistan, but it is now illegal to speak out against the war. Apparently joining the military now means giving up your right to freedom of speech.
Glenton says he will fight all the charges, and told the Military Court he was planning to call an expert in international law to argue that the war in Afghanistan is illegal. In a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, he wrote:
It is my primary concern that the courage and tenacity of my fellow soldiers has become a tool of American foreign policy.
I believe that when British military personnel submit themselves to the service of the nation and put their bodies into harm’s way, the government that sends them into battle is obliged to ensure that the cause is just and right, ie for the protection of life and liberty.
The war in Afghanistan is not reducing the terrorist risk, far from improving Afghan lives it is bringing death and devastation to their country.
Britain has no business there. I do not believe that our cause in Afghanistan is just or right. I implore you, sir, to bring our troops home.
Yesterday Peace Action Wellington held a small solidarity picket outside the British Embassy to coincide with Glenton’s bail hearing where the Military Court decided he should be kept in custody for a further 28 days. From Peace Action Wellington:
The solidarity picket was approached by Embassy security who said that, ‘it was fine to have a picket but that if anyone was taking photographs, there could be problems.’ Clearly this person thinks he is in London; severe new laws in the UK have made it an offence to photograph ‘sensitive’ infrastructure and people including military buildings and police officers under the guise of ‘fighting terrorism’.
I realise it’s a sort of catch 22 situation for the military and government – charge the guy and get all the associated bad press, let it go and risk others following his lead. The question they should be asking themselves is whether they really want soldiers fighting in a war they oppose. I imagine that will have its own set of consequences. And as if propping up a corrupt regime isn’t bad enough, the hypocrisy is astounding – they claim to be fighting for a democratic Afghanistan while locking people up in their own country for daring to have an opinion.
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- Long-term commitment needed on public housingBudget 2023’s investment in public housing falls short of what’s needed. ...2 weeks ago
- ECE extension Green win nearly 10 years in the makingThe Green Party is today celebrating Budget 2023 funding extending free ECE to two year olds. ...2 weeks ago
- Green initiative addresses both climate and inequalityA long standing Green Party policy has been extended yet again in this year’s Budget. This will deliver warmer homes for thousands of people, lower power bills, and cut climate pollution. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens on board with more affordable buses and trainsThe Green Party is fully on board with free bus and train travel for under 12s and half price travel for under 25s - next stop, free travel for all under 18s, students, and apprentices. ...2 weeks ago
- Budget 2023 falls short of what’s neededToday’s Budget makes good progress on climate and inequality, but falls short of what’s needed to fix both. ...2 weeks ago
- Flood and Cyclone recovery package covers the basicsEarlier this week, the Prime Minister announced a billion dollar flood and cyclone recovery package as part of Budget 2023. This is about doing the basics - repairing and rebuilding what has been damaged and making smart investments, including $100 million of protection funding to ensure future events don’t cause ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to boost national fuel resiliency introduced
The Fuel Industry (Improving Fuel Resilience) Amendment Bill would: boost New Zealand’s fuel supply resilience and economic security enable the minimum stockholding obligation regulations to be adapted as the energy and transport environment evolves. “Last November, I announced a six-point plan to improve the resiliency of our fuel supply from ...12 hours ago - Faster ACC payment top-ups and fairer systemThe Government is making sure those on low incomes will no longer have to wait five weeks to get the minimum weekly rate of ACC, and improving the data collected to make the system fairer, Minister for ACC Peeni Henare said today. The Accident Compensation (Access Reporting and Other Matters) ...12 hours ago
- Compulsory code of conduct for school boards introducedA compulsory code of conduct will ensure school board members are crystal clear on their responsibilities and expected standard of behaviour, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti said. It’s the first time a compulsory code of conduct has been published for state and state-integrated school boards and comes into effect on ...15 hours ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen annual conference.Tena koutou katoa and thank you, Mayor Nadine Taylor, for your welcome to Marlborough. Thanks also Doug Saunders-Loder and all of you for inviting me to your annual conference. As you might know, I’m quite new to this job – and I’m particularly pleased that the first organisation I’m giving a ...16 hours ago
- Govt to support councils with buyout and better protection of cyclone and flood affected propertiesThe Government will enter into a funding arrangement with councils in cyclone and flood affected regions to support them to offer a voluntary buyout for owners of Category 3 designated residential properties. It will also co-fund work needed to protect Category 2 designated properties. “From the beginning of this process ...17 hours ago
- Government delivers changes to reduce pokies harmThe Government has announced changes to strengthen requirements in venues with pokie (gambling) machines will come into effect from 15 June. “Pokies are one of the most harmful forms of gambling. They can have a detrimental impact on individuals, their friends, whānau and communities,” Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds said. ...18 hours ago
- Government delivers 1800 additional frontline PoliceThe total Police workforce is now the largest it has ever been. Police constabulary stands at 10,700 officers – an increase of 21% since 2017 Māori officers have increased 40%, Pasifika 83%, Asian 157%, Women 61% Every district has got more Police under this Government The Government has delivered on ...18 hours ago
- Minister Mahuta talks Pacific ambitions at the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ summitMinister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta met with Korea President Yoon, as well as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, during her recent visit to Korea. “It was an honour to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the first Korea – Pacific Leaders’ Summit. We discussed Pacific ambitions under the ...19 hours ago
- Government drives $2 billion of business research and developmentThe Government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive has supported more than $2 billion of New Zealand business innovation – an increase of around $1 billion in less than nine months. "Research and innovation are essential in helping us meet the biggest challenges and seize opportunities facing New Zealand. It’s fantastic ...2 days ago
- Achieving lift off: National Space Policy launchedThe next ‘giant leap’ in New Zealand’s space journey has been taken today with the launch of the National Space Policy, Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds announced. “Our space sector is growing rapidly. Each year New Zealand is becoming a more and more attractive place for launches, manufacturing space-related technology ...2 days ago
- New science and creative technologies wharekura announcedA new Year 7-13 designated character wharekura will be built in Pāpāmoa, Associate Minister of Education Kelvin Davis has announced. The wharekura will focus on science, mathematics and creative technologies while connecting ākonga to the whakapapa of the area. The decision follows an application by the Ngā Pōtiki ā Tamapahore ...2 days ago
- Freedom Camping changes a win for the environmentProtecting the environment by establishing a stronger, more consistent system for freedom camping Supporting councils to better manage freedom camping in their region and reduce the financial and social impacts on communities Ensuring that self-contained vehicle owners have time to prepare for the new system The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle ...2 days ago
- Speeding up the family court, reducing stress on familiesA new law passed last night could see up to 25 percent of Family Court judges’ workload freed up in order to reduce delays, Minister of Justice Kiri Allan said. The Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Bill will establish a new role known as the Family Court Associate. The ...2 days ago
- UK FTA delivers benefits from todayNew Zealand businesses will begin reaping the rewards of our gold-standard free trade agreement with the United Kingdom (UK FTA) from today. “The New Zealand UK FTA enters into force from today, and is one of the seven new or upgraded Free Trade Agreements negotiated by Labour to date,” Prime ...2 days ago
- Next steps to reform outdated surrogacy lawThe Government will reform outdated surrogacy laws to improve the experiences of children, surrogates, and the growing number of families formed through surrogacy, by adopting Labour MP Tāmati Coffey’s Member’s Bill as a Government Bill, Minister Kiri Allan has announced. “Surrogacy has become an established method of forming a family ...2 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend Shangri-La DialogueDefence Minister Andrew Little departs for Singapore tomorrow to attend the 20th annual Shangri-La Dialogue for Defence Ministers from the Indo-Pacific region. “Shangri-La brings together many countries to speak frankly and express views about defence issues that could affect us all,” Andrew Little said. “New Zealand is a long-standing participant ...2 days ago
- New Zealand–China science relationship affirmedResearch, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang met in Wellington today and affirmed the two countries’ long-standing science relationship. Minister Wang was in New Zealand for the 6th New Zealand-China Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation. Following ...3 days ago
- Supporting a strong future for screen sector5 percent uplift clearer and simpler to navigate Domestic productions can access more funding sources 20 percent rebate confirmed for post-production, digital and visual effects Qualifying expenditure for post-production, digital and visual effects rebate dropped to $250,000 to encourage more smaller productions The Government is making it easier for the ...3 days ago
- Minister Sepuloni to attend 61st Anniversary of Samoa’s IndependenceDeputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Carmel Sepuloni will represent New Zealand at Samoa’s 61st Anniversary of Independence commemorations in Apia. “Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to share in this significant occasion, alongside other invited Pacific leaders, and congratulates Samoa on the milestone of 61 ...3 days ago
- Govt backs retailers with expansion of fog cannon programmeThe Government is continuing to support retailers with additional funding for the highly popular Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme, Police and Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. “The Government is committed to improving retailers’ safety,” Ginny Andersen said. “I’ve seen first-hand the difference fog cannons are making. Not only do ...4 days ago
- Government will consider recommendations of Intelligence and Security Act reviewThe Government has received the first independent review of the Intelligence and Security Act 2017, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The review, considered by the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, was presented to the House of Representatives today. “Ensuring the safety and security of New Zealanders is of the utmost ...4 days ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Siu’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...4 days ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Sui’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...4 days ago
- Security support to Solomon Islands extendedDefence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have today announced the extension of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deployment to Solomon Islands, as part of the regionally-led Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (SIAF). “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of working alongside the Royal Solomon ...4 days ago
- Minister Mahuta to attend the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ SummitForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will travel to the Republic of Korea today to attend the Korea–Pacific Leaders’ Summit in Seoul and Busan. “Korea is an important partner for Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region. I am eager for the opportunity to meet and discuss issues that matter to our ...5 days ago
- Agreement between Indo-Pacific partners for supply chain resilienceTrade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor joined ministerial representatives at a meeting in Detroit, USA today to announce substantial conclusion of negotiations of a new regional supply chains agreement among 14 Indo-Pacific countries. The Supply Chains agreement is one of four pillars being negotiated within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ...5 days ago
- Celebrating Samoa Language Week 2023Our most spoken Pacific language is taking centre stage this week with Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week kicking off around the country. “Understanding and using the Samoan language across our nation is vital to its survival,” Barbara Edmonds said. “The Samoan population in New Zealand are ...5 days ago
- Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert systemOver 90 per cent of New Zealanders are expected to receive this year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight between 6-7pm. “Emergency Mobile Alert is a tool that can alert people when their life, health, or property, is in danger,” Kieran McAnulty said. “The annual nationwide test ...5 days ago
- Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of SettlementENGLISH: Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Whakatōhea and the Crown, 183 years to the day since Whakatōhea rangatira signed the Treaty of Waitangi, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little has announced. Whakatōhea is an iwi based in ...6 days ago
- New Chair appointed to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCOElizabeth Longworth has been appointed as the Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton announced today. UNESCO is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting cooperative action among member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and ...7 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...7 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...7 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services cheaper and more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...7 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...7 days ago
- Government’s work for survivors of abuse in care continuesThe Government continues progress on the survivor-led independent redress system for historic abuse in care, with the announcement of the design and advisory group members today. “The main recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Abuse in Care interim redress report was for a survivor-led independent redress system, and the ...7 days ago
- Humanitarian support for the Horn of AfricaAotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$7.75 million to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The Horn of Africa is experiencing its most severe drought in decades, with five consecutive failed rainy seasons. At least 43.3 million people require lifesaving and ...1 week ago
- Two brand new mental health facilities opened in ChristchurchHealth Minister Ayesha Verrall has opened two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities at the Christchurch Hillmorton Hospital campus, as the Government ramps up its efforts to build a modern fit for purpose mental health system. The buildings, costing $81.8 million, are one of 16 capital projects the Government has funded ...1 week ago
- Government invests more than $24 million in regional projectsThe Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies by announcing another $24 million worth of investment into ten diverse projects, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “Our regions are the backbone of our economy and today’s announcement continues to build on the Government’s investment to boost regional economic ...1 week ago
- Budget 23 supports the growth of Māori tourismAn $8 million boost to New Zealand Māori Tourism will help operators insulate themselves for the future. Spread over the next four years, the investment acknowledges the on-going challenges faced by the industry and the significant contribution Māori make to tourism in Aotearoa. It builds on the $15 million invested ...1 week ago
- First Bushmasters ready to rollDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the first 18 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the New Zealand Army, alongside personnel at Trentham Military Camp today. “The arrival of the Bushmaster fleet represents a significant uplift in capability and protection for defence force personnel, and a milestone in ...1 week ago
- Why every new garden should be a 'carbon garden'
Aotearoa has vast tracts of suburban and urban terrain. The possibilities for reformulating under-used landscapes into massive carbon-capture terrains are enormous Opinion: Many New Zealanders are engaged in the environmental work that needs to be done to halt the degradation of our planet. However, addressing increasing carbon dioxide emissions and ...24 mins ago - What next for NZ's big emitters?
New Zealand's big emitters are under pressure to do more as the country heads towards its zero carbon 2050 target. NZ Steel's the first mover with a big deal with the Government to help it cut its emissions. Who will be next? The $300 million deal between NZ Steel ...24 mins ago - Don't turn online safety into a new culture war
Early and vocal opposition to new measures to protect children and vulnerable people from harmful content online does a disservice. ...24 mins ago - Beyond firearms: Nicole McKee gets ready to fight in Act's law and order corner
Nicole McKee says there's more to Act's plan than ankle bracelets on youth offenders. ...24 mins ago - Raw Politics: A race relations muddle and housing feud
This week on the Raw Politics podcast: National struggles to deal with race relations and Labour and National fall out over housing density - plus the risk of a caucus breakdown for ACT The Raw Politics team takes a look at how National's leader and MPs are dealing with ...24 mins ago - Brown's obsessive nano-management is just what Auckland doesn't need
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's proposals won't help the city in the short or long term ...24 mins ago - The clash of the wingwomen
The ANZ Premiership grand final will be a showdown of netball’s great wingwomen – Mystics’ Michaela Sokolich-Beatson vs Stars’ Gina Crampton. Suzanne McFadden speaks to both athletes, on a common mission. It’s a gritty battle just too close to call. Stars wing attack Gina Crampton and Mystics wing defence Michaela ...24 mins ago - Bestselling books at King's Birthday
The first King's Birthday Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list, described by Steve Braunias FICTION 1 The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey (Te Herenga Waka University Press, $35) Next week's Book of the Week review at ReadingRoom is by Philip Matthews (crowned Best Reviewer at last year's ...24 mins ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 2 June
Loading...(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...1 hour ago - Daily crossword, Friday 2 June
...1 hour ago - The Friday Poem: ‘Carmine’ by Victoria Lewis
A new poem by Wellington poet Victoria Lewis. Carmine well – the cherries appeared quietly there on the kitchen bench as if to smile and say i love you, and you dared to forget those gleaming fruit form a prayer, a devotion bloody on the inside, taut on the out ...3 hours ago - Grattan on Friday: the PwC scandal should be ripe for the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s at...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra nitpicker/Shutterstock By coincidence, the furore around the consultancy firm PwC is raging just as the National Anti-Corruption Commission is gearing up for its start of business on July 1. The PwC scandal, ...7 hours ago - National MP apologises for saying Commerce Commission 'need a bullet'
National MP David Bennett has apologised for a comment made in Parliament where he said the "evil" Commerce Commission "need a bullet." ...8 hours ago - ‘Dismissed’: legal experts explain the judgment in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation caseSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ricardo Villegas, Senior Lecturer of Law, University of South Australia Today, Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko handed down his long-awaited judgment in the defamation case that Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living former SAS soldier, brought against the Age, the Sydney Morning ...9 hours ago
- 'He's not worried about the pledge I made' – Auckland councillors hit back at m...Wayne Brown has named and attempted to shame councillors who oppose the sale of the council's airport shares, but some are returning fire, saying he does not have the votes to pass his plan. ...9 hours ago
- No fast answers for cyclone-affected properties
Some certainty has arrived for those impacted by severe weather events earlier this year but the bulk of the detail for a buyout scheme affecting at least 700 homes is a work in progress, writes political editor Jo Moir. Analysis: Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has been determined since February ...11 hours ago - A win for the press, a big loss for Ben Roberts-Smith: what does this judgment tell us about defamat...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Rolph, Professor of Law, University of Sydney At the heart of the spectacular defamation trial brought by decorated Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith were two key questions. Had the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times damaged his reputation ...11 hours ago
- Want long-term contraception? There are more effective options than the pill. But they can be hard t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Bateson, Professor of Practice, University of Sydney Shutterstock Australians’ access to a range of contraceptive options depends on where they live and how wealthy they are. A recent parliamentary inquiry recommends ways to end this “postcode lottery” for people ...11 hours ago
- National brands Labour's Handmaid's Tale tweet as 'appalling'Labour's campaign chair is standing by a social media post which likens National's prescriptions policy to dystopian TV show and novel The Handmaid's Tale. ...12 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Liberal MP Bridget Archer urges other moderates to speak up as she p...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition’s decision to oppose the Voice to Parliament has put its moderate members in a jam. Some moderates are active yes advocates, while others are trying to keep low profiles. Bridget Archer, the outspoken ...13 hours ago
- Taxing Urea Better Than He Waka Eke Noa But Stronger Action Needed
Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling out the agriculture industry’s "undue influence" over the Government’s agricultural emissions policy, saying that " predatory denial and delay " have stalled the development of plans to price and reduce ...13 hours ago - South Auckland Fire Shows Risk Of Flock In Incinerator Proposal“The huge fire in South Auckland illustrates the serious human health risks of incinerating flock, the residual material left over from the scrap metal process. It is one reason we will be opposing the building of a waste incinerator in Te Awamutu ...14 hours ago
- Consultation opens on proposals to make online spaces saferThe Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) wants to make social media subject to regulation similar to that of traditional media platforms. ...14 hours ago
- The real cost of NZ’s two-tier health systemIt’s reassuring to think that by paying for private treatment you’re ‘freeing up a bed’ in a public hospital. But the reality is private beds don’t free up public beds, they replace them. Ethicists argue that healthcare is special. Unlike other consumer goods, its availability and accessibility should be based ...14 hours ago
- Mayor’s office says media ‘forced their way’ into budget speechThe office of mayor Wayne Brown has hit back at criticism journalists were “cherry-picked” for this morning’s budget announcement. A number of media outlets, including The Spinoff, Stuff, TVNZ and Newshub, were not invited to hear Brown’s budget address. Some, however, made it into the room after Brown had started ...15 hours ago
- The antithesis of healing: the AFL turns away from truth-telling again, ending Hawthorn investigatio...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Klugman, Research Fellow, Institute for Health & Sport, member of the Community, Identity and Displacement Research Network, and Co-convenor of the Olympic Research Network, Victoria University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains mention of the Stolen ...15 hours ago
- How raising tobacco taxes can save lives and cut poverty across the Asia-PacificSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sudyumna Dahal, PhD Student, Australian National University Shutterstock The human costs of tobacco and smoking worldwide are huge. 1.3 billion people use tobacco, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. More than 8 million people die prematurely because of tobacco, at ...15 hours ago
- Is This The Big Step Towards Making The Internet A Safer Place?Today, the Government released a discussion document: Safer Online Services and Media Platforms. It aims to reduce people’s exposure to harmful content, and create a system that is easier to navigate if people need to report harmful content. The ...15 hours ago
- ‘Hate speech laws 2.0’: Act wants to ‘kill’ proposed online safety rulesThe Act Party’s compared a proposal to improve online safety to the government’s doomed hate speech laws, and pledged to “kill” it off as well. Consultation is set to begin on a Department of Internal Affairs proposal to change how online content is regulated in New Zealand. But David Seymour ...15 hours ago
- Report Highlights Lessons For Public Organisations Supporting Improved Outcomes For MāoriA new report from the Auditor-General on four initiatives to improve outcomes for Māori has highlighted the importance of strong relationships between public organisations and Māori, and of taking the time needed to build these relationships. However, ...15 hours ago
- BSA Welcomes Consultation On Safer Online Services And Media PlatformsThe Broadcasting Standards Authority welcomes today’s launch of the public discussion document, Safer Online Services and Media Platforms, on a proposed new content regulation framework. The Authority has long been an advocate for a more flexible regulatory ...15 hours ago
- A new virtual museum reveals 600 million years of Australian fossils in unprecedented 3D detailSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alice Clement, Research Associate in the College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Virtual Australian Museum of Palaeontology, Author provided Palaeontology is the study of evolution and prehistoric life, usually preserved as fossils in rocks. It combines aspects of geology ...15 hours ago
- Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono Response To Proposals In Safer Online Services And Media Platf...Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono welcomes the release of the Safer Online Services and Media Platforms report from Te Tari Taiwhenua, dealing with content regulation for media and social media. “We welcome the move to an independent regulator that ...15 hours ago
- TLDR: The proposed reform for safer media and online platformsThe drearily titled “Safer Online Services and Media Platforms” document has just been released. Here’s a TLDR summary from The Spinoff’s Shanti Mathias: The suggested changes are pretty different from what we have right now. All digital industries that publish content, including overseas companies like Meta and Google and local ...15 hours ago
- TLDR: The proposed reform for safer media and online platformsThe drearily titled “Safer Online Services and Media Platforms” document has just been released. Here’s a TLDR summary from The Spinoff’s Shanti Mathias: The suggested changes are pretty different from what we have right now. All digital industries that publish content, including overseas companies like Meta and Google and local ...15 hours ago
- How a new proposal could change online safety in New ZealandThe Safer Online Services and Media Platforms document has just been released by the government’s Content Regulatory Review. It does more than capitalise nouns – here’s what you need to know about what’s inside. What is this document with the world’s most boring name? It’s a proposal from the Department ...15 hours ago
- How a new proposal could change online safety in New ZealandThe Safer Online Services and Media Platforms document has just been released by the government’s Content Regulatory Review. It does more than capitalise nouns – here’s what you need to know about what’s inside. What is this document with the world’s most boring name? It’s a proposal from the Department ...15 hours ago
- Review: Hamilton (the musical) comes to AucklandThe 2010s musical theatre phenomenon has finally made it to Spark Arena. Does does it live up to the years of expectation? This Angelica Schuyler is transcendent Full disclosure: I am overly familiar with Hamiton without being a full-on Hamilstan. I’ve listened to the cast recording countless times, watched it ...16 hours ago
- Review: Hamilton (the musical) comes to AucklandThe 2010s musical theatre phenomenon has finally made it to Spark Arena. Does does it live up to the years of expectation? This Angelica Schuyler is transcendent Full disclosure: I am overly familiar with Hamiton without being a full-on Hamilstan. I’ve listened to the cast recording countless times, watched it ...16 hours ago
- Brown calls for councillor loyalty – and media to stay away
Members of the press being turned away from the door distracted from the announcement of asset sales and inflation-pegged rates in Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s final budget proposal Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown didn’t mince words at a fiery press conference this morning where he confirmed he’d be calling for a ...16 hours ago - NZ First Secured 1800 New Frontline Police – Not LabourDuring New Zealand First coalition negotiations our policy was to train and resource 1800 new frontline police. We secured this coalition policy win to ensure our streets had a police force that could tackle crime - after years of neglect. Remember those ...16 hours ago
- No, AI probably won’t kill us all – and there’s more to this fear campaign than meets the eyeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Timothy Bennett, PhD Student, School of Computing, Australian National University Better Images of AI / Alan Warburton, CC BY-SA Doomsaying is an old occupation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a complex subject. It’s easy to fear what you don’t understand. ...17 hours ago
- Education Minister Jan Tinetti to face questioning over contempt accusationEducation Minister Jan Tinetti will be questioned by senior MPs next week over whether she deliberately misled Parliament. ...17 hours ago
- Education Minister Jan Tinetti to face questioning over contempt accusationEducation Minister Jan Tinetti will be questioned by senior MPs next week over whether she deliberately misled Parliament. ...17 hours ago
- Cyclone recovery: About 700 properties likely too risky to rebuild – MinistersThe government and councils will offer a buyout option to property owners whose land is too risky to rebuild on, and co-fund protection works for those who need it. ...17 hours ago
- Buyout scheme announced for cyclone-hit homeownersThe government will work with councils to offer a “voluntary buyout” for owners of homes written off by Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent severe weather. About 700 category three properties – those where it’s deemed the risk of future severe weather cannot be sufficiently mitigated – are expected to be ...17 hours ago
- Brown’s Budget Proposal Holds Public Services HostageAuckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed budget presents a dangerous false choice between cutting public services and privatising Auckland’s assets. The proposal to councillors offers to reinstate funding for public services and increase the pay ...18 hours ago
- Leaked DIA Consultation Document Reveals Major Proposal For Censorship Of Online SpeechA leaked consultation document from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) shows plans to draft and introduce legislation that would entirely restructure the New Zealand censorship regime, bringing online speech, such as material on social media ...18 hours ago
- And so we howl again, into the void: Where is Wayne Brown?A crucial day for the future of the city, and the mayor’s message to hundreds of thousands of Aucklanders: I don’t want to talk to you. Wayne Brown was right. The media is awash with drongos. I personally have behaved drongoistically – to borrow a Winstonism – at least twice ...18 hours ago
- Te Whatu Ora Listens To PSA And Enters Further Consultation On Big Health RestructureThe PSA is pleased Te Whatu Ora has listened to its concerns and is seeking further consultation with unions on a major restructuring as it seeks to remove duplication and centralise services. "This will be a huge relief for workers," said ...18 hours ago
- Did ‘wokeness’ cancel Police Ten 7? New research suggests racial stereotyping was the real culpr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Antje Deckert, Associate Professor (Criminology), Auckland University of Technology Getty Images When TVNZ cancelled reality TV show Police Ten 7 earlier this year, it certainly rattled some law-and-order cages. The show’s former host Graham Bell, who described suspects variously ...18 hours ago
- Smaller power providers on top in new Consumer surveyA new survey from Consumer NZ has once again found customer’s prefer the country’s smaller power providers. For the third year in a row, Powershop has come out on top with a satisfaction score of 74% – the sixth time overall it has achieved the accolade. Frank Energy received a ...18 hours ago
- What is deep sea mining, and how could it alter a vital ecosystem?Applications to mine in the ocean could begin in July. Why are scientists and activists so concerned? Far from the light of the surface, animals are pale; some glow in the dense darkness, have translucent shells; grow very big or very small. Even the most comprehensive list of deep ocean ...19 hours ago
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When you sign to join the military you sign away many of the rights normal people have. These include the right the be a member of a union or a political party and it is for good reason.
This is made very clear before you sign the dotted line. During your time the restrictions on what you can and can’t say and what you will and won’t do when ordered are very clear. If you aren’t happy with this you leave.
If this person felt as they did they can put in their numbers and leave the service and feel free to criticize as much as they want. By choosing to do it whilst in the service they undermine the chain of command upon which the military is wholly reliant. Unfortunately some people feel that it lends weight to their opinion if they are an acting service member speaking out against the war. It is designed to create just the sort of situation we see here.
The public is often unaware of the above and they feel sympathy for the accused. I however see someone who is manufacturing a story to make apolitical point and it annoys me that it will be so effective.
International law allows for soldiers to disobey orders if they believe that those orders are illegal. This is probably due to the finding in the Nuremberg Trials after WWII that following orders isn’t an excuse or defence for war crimes.
The point is that he couldn’t leave the military. And isn’t it ridiculous that officers are allowed to speak out in support of the war, but not against it? Being charged with desertion is one thing, but getting a specific charge for speaking your mind is another.
Desertion only carries a penalty of up to three years I think. These new charges under a new law only passed in October mean he faces up to 10 years for speaking out.
By pass the chain of command ?
Yeah right , like George Bush was able to do by taking directly every week to Petraeus in Iraq, by passing about 3 levels of the so called chain of command
I thought that the Nazi trials after the second world war created a precedent whereby individual soldiers were responsible for their actions, and could not use the claim that they were merely obeying orders as an excuse for war crimes. So, it seems to me that if this soldier thinks that the war is unjust, then he ought not be punished for non-compliance with the military’s demands with regard to it.
It is not only international law. In NZ the Armed forces discipline act clearly states that to carry out an order that would result in an illegal act in itself is a crime. However the person must be sure that the act involved is illegal. If there is any ambiguity then they must follow the order and then after wards raise a complaint.
However that has nothing to do with this case. This was someone not complying with written orders to not publicly comment on this matter. By following the order he is not breaking the law he therefore has no protection from prosecution. Believe me this stuff is drilled into every recruit during basic training.
You are both applying it in the wrong context. The wording is that you must not follow an order that would result in you breaking the law. If the order does not result in you breaking the law then you must follow it.
Thanks for that clarification Geek.
Exactly correct. Soldiers are not civilians. You follow orders even if you disagree with them unless they are clearly illegal. In this case it will be a standing order.
You’d find that the officers referred to as speaking up ‘for’ the war aren’t. They will have been given orders that they can comment on the progress, strategy, or tactics of the war. If they should be in the war itself is a political decision and something that they would not comment on.
There are more reasons that can be reasonably listed here about why the military has to operate this way. But suffice it to say that wanting to act as a civilian usually gets more people killed than otherwise – usually the wrong ones because it is a rabble rather than a force.
But the fastest way to find out is probably to go and do some service in the terries 😈
What rocky is suggesting is the civilian viewpoint. If he wanted to be a civilian, then he should have put in for a discharge.
Glenton disappeared without leave for two years without saying anything public, so one can only assume he did try to leave the military.
This might be a civilian view, but by disobeying orders, Glenton helps to highlight for the public the situation in Afghanistan as he has seen first hand. For me as a civilian, hearing accounts from people first hand, either for or against the war, are what help me make up my mind about the issues. Public opinion has a big impact on whether or not a government chooses to participate in a war, so having military propaganda from only one side is anti-democratic. Funny how they like to go on about how the purpose of the war is to fight for democracy!
It’s a naval term “toe the line” – at Sunday divisions you all had seams on the ship that you were meant to stand on while being inspected by the Captain. Hence, to fall in with the group is to put your toes up to the line, or to “toe the line”.
Sorry, pet peeve derived from repeated reads of Patrick O’Brian novels. Thoroughly recommend them by the way.
I was also wondering where the line was going to be towed to…. 😀
Thanks – I have updated the post.
Note to those who are going to be out tomorrow: Now that’s what a march for Democracy is in it’s very definition and is nothing like your half mill tory gathering tomorrow.
After reading the interview it actually sounds more like he was suffering from some sort of post combat stress disorder and probably should have been discharged on medical grounds (if he’d gone to see the doctor).
There are definitely grounds for soldiers having the speech curtailed, letting the enemy know where the combat unit is going to be etc, but I don’t think their political opinion about the conflict should be. That’s going too far.
meanwhile there was a good editorial in the Herald today on the “March for Democracy”! Has the world gone mad?