Peace Action Wellington (PAW) feels betrayed and upset by the recent infiltration of our group by spies employed by Thompson & Clark Investigations, as reported in the Sunday Star Times (27 May).

"We are not in the least bit surprised. We are, after all, fighting to stop the New Zealand weapons industry who have no qualms profiting from producing devices used in war; spying on us pales in comparison," said Valerie Morse, Peace Action Wellington member.

"In fact, it is not the private investigation firms that are our biggest fear, rather it is the police. We have been spied on, beaten, harassed and arrested in the course of opposing New Zealand's deadly military policy. We have been issued with trumped up charges, regularly dragged through the courts, and almost inevitably let free at the end after having suffered both financially and emotionally," said Valerie Morse.

"It would come as no surprise to us if the private investigation firms, corporates and the police are working hand in glove."

"This corporate infiltration and spying combined with the spying and violence of the police is part and parcel of speaking out in this so called "democratic" State. We wish to extend our solidarity towards those other groups infiltrated seeking to do the same," concluded Valerie Morse.

ENDS