New legislation provides for immediate arrest for displaying gang insignia in public places
This Thursday (November 21, 2024) the first arrest was recorded based on the new law that prohibits the display of gang symbols in public places. The measure aims to combat organized crime.
Police made the first arrest under the new law just 3 minutes after it came into force, when an individual was detained in the city of Hastings for driving with a Mongrel Mob gang badge visible on the dashboard of his car. Violators will be fined up to 5,000 New Zealand dollars (R$17,000) or 6 months in prison.
The ban extends to insignia displayed outside private residences, including on clothing or vehicles. Symbols of 35 specified gangs were banned.
The government, which has promised to tackle organized crime, says the law will reduce violence and drug-related crimes. Premier Christopher Luxon defended the measure.
“[As gangues] thrive on destroying the lives of other New Zealanders, whether by selling drugs or through brutal acts of violence that leave communities in fear.”he declared.
In addition to banning insignias, the law provides for the dispersal of gang gatherings and allows authorities to enter homes to search for prohibited items. Gang affiliation will be considered when sentencing offenders.
Facial tattoos and the use of colors associated with gangs are exempt from the ban. The exclusion of white supremacist groups from the list of gangs in the law drew criticism of the government.
