Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said modernizing the Public Order Act will ensure a stable and peaceful society and is a positive step towards democracy.

The strengthening of the Public Order Act on Saturday comes after the Public Emergency Regulation was lifted.

Sayed-Khaiyum said the government wants to prevent a situation such as the 2000 coup, ever happening again.

Under the Public Order Amendment Decree 2012 section 17 C (1), any person who commits an act of terrorism shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment for life.

Any person who harbors or conceals, prevents, hinders or interferes with the apprehension of any other person knowing or having reason to believe that the other person has committed, is planning or likely to commit an act of terrorism, or is a member of the group involved in the act of terrorism, commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment for life.

Any person who knowingly provides or offers to provide a weapon to a person, group or organization involved in the act of terrorism, a member of any such group or organization involved in the act of terrorism, any other person for use by or for benefit of a group or organization involved in the act of terrorism or a member of any such group or organization, commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment for life.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa
Source: Radio NZ