Ardern promises new counter-terrorism laws by month-end

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WELLINGTON, September 6

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that a legal loophole that allowed an Islamic State-inspired militant carry out a supermarket attack to remain free would be fixed with new laws by the end of this month.

The police shot dead 32-year-old Sri Lankan Ahamed Aathil Mohamed Samsudeen moments after he launched a stabbing spree at an Auckland supermarket on Friday.

Samsudeen was known to authorities for about five years and had spent the equivalent of three years in jail for offences, including possession of objectionable materials and dangerous weapons. Authorities repeatedly tried to keep Samsudeen in prison or deport him, but were stymied by the country’s current laws.

Samsudeen was last released from prison in July.

Ardern said Counter Terror Legislation Bill that criminalises planning and preparation that might lead to terror attack was already under review in Parliament and would be expedited.

“We are still working to have that legislation passed before the end of the month,” Ardern said at a news conference.

Samsudeen had fraudulently secured refugee status, Ardern said, and his status as a “protected person” barred his deportation to Sri Lanka. — Reuters