New Zealand Announces New Security Act, Police Don't Need Warrants To Prevent Terrorism

Illustration of fully armed New Zealand policeman and sniffer dogs manning a public location. (Wikimedia Commons/Schwede66)

JAKARTA - New Zealand passed a new security law on Thursday, anticipating a terror attack, closing a loophole that opened up after seven people were stabbed and injured this month at a supermarket in Auckland.

Amid growing fears of a 'lone wolf' terror attack, New Zealand strengthened its legislation through Parliament, following the terrorist attack in Auckland which authorities say was inspired by ISIS.

"The nature of terrorism has changed," Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said in an email, citing Reuters, September 30.

"Around the world, there are more single actors, than larger organized groups."

The move pulled New Zealand's security laws in line with most other countries, he added.

This new security law gives New Zealand police the power to enter, search and monitor without a warrant in their efforts to prevent the planning and preparation of terrorist acts, criminalize weapons training, or combat for the purpose.

As previously reported, Aathil Mohamed Samsudeen, a 32-year-old Sri Lankan national, was shot dead by police after stabbing six people at a supermarket in Auckland on September 3. He was just released from prison for three years last July.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Samsudeen had been inspired by the Islamic State militant group to carry out the attack. In 2020, authorities failed to charge him with terrorism offenses after he bought a hunting knife and was found in possession of ISIS videos.

However, a judge ruled that Samsudeen did not violate New Zealand's terror laws at the time. He was released and placed under 24-hour police surveillance.