White supremacist ‘manifesto’ banned

The ‘manifesto’ of a white supremacist who killed 10 people in the United States this morning NZT has been banned in Aotearoa New Zealand, Acting Chief Censor Rupert Ablett-Hampson announced today.

The killer livestreamed his attack and published a written document detailing why he committed the mass shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo New York, in what law enforcement are calling a racially motivated hate crime. The written ‘manifesto’ type publication has been classified, on an interim basis, as objectionable under the Films, Videos & Publications Classification Act 1993.

“My thoughts and sympathy are with the victims, their families and those immediately affected by this dreadful event,” Rupert Ablett-Hampson said.

“The killer says in his document that he was inspired by the March 15 Mosque killer. It has become a trend for terrorists, in particular white supremacist killers, to issue these kinds of publications to encourage others to follow their lead,” Rupert Ablett-Hampson said.

“The decision to call the publication in for formal classification and issue an interim decision was made this morning. A final classification decision will be made in due course. It’s important to make this interim decision so the public is aware that this material is objectionable under New Zealand law.

“There is widespread coverage of this mass shooting and the fact that the killer produced publications and we urge New Zealanders not to seek these out. This decision means it is an offence to possess or distribute these publications. People who have downloaded this document, or printed it, should destroy any copies.

“We understand most people in Aotearoa reading such publications would not be supportive of these hateful messages but these kind of publications are not intended for most people. We have seen how they can impact individuals who are on the pathway to violence.”

Mr Ablett-Hampson said he was deeply concerned the killings were livestreamed and is aware that the Department of Internal Affairs is investigating.

“We will promptly classify any further publications the Department send us as a result of their investigations.”

Note

While the publication is banned, academic researchers, analysts and journalists seeking to inform the public will still have access to the publication in New Zealand through the section 44 exemption process.

Media

media@classificationoffice.govt.nz

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