Kim Dotcom, founder of file sharing site Megaupload alleges he has been assaulted during a raid on his home by armed New Zealand police that landed in his Auckland property by helicopter.
Dotcom alleges that he was dragged from his safe room at which point he was beaten, kicked and punched by New Zealand police who had raided the property at the request of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The New Zealand authorities confiscated computers, hard drives, artworks and luxury cars however the raid and seizure have already been determined by the Court to have been illegal. A further Court hearing in a few days time will determine the argument as to what to do with the evidence obtained.
No stranger to publicity Mr. Dotcom is currently facing controversial extradition charges to the US in relation to alleged offences including Internet piracy, money laundering, and fraud. Only last month the New Zealand Judge, David Harvey, overseeing this case had to remove himself following official comments that led to questions regarding his impartiality.
Clearly there’s more to come from this case and the world awaits further developments with bated breath.
Reuters report further on this story here.
4 Comments on Megaupload founder alleges assault by NZ police
So no real surprise.
However, as these viscious attacks on "pirates" continues to escalate, you can be certain that the pirates will become more militant about their rights and do whatever it takes to keep piracy thriving (and profitable) on the internet.
|
Originally Posted by tmc8080
Sometimes, it's more about sending a message than actually doing the proper policing work to secure a suspect and have a successful criminal prosecution. Generally speaking law enforcement are immune to civil and criminal prosecution in the course of their duties even when they step over the line because it can be justified in some way.
However, as these viscious attacks on "pirates" continues to escalate, you can be certain that the pirates will become more militant about their rights and do whatever it takes to keep piracy thriving (and profitable) on the internet. |
Most popular headlines
Windows Blue to allow boot to desktop and brings start menu back? (3)
- Tue 16 Apr 16:12 by DoMiN8ToR
- Software, Windows 8
The upcoming update of Windows 8 might allow users to boot to the desktop again.
Jobs in US entertainment industry on all-time high - piracy?! (8)
- Fri 12 Apr 15:10 by DoMiN8ToR
- Piracy
The number of jobs in the film and music industry in the United States has increased despite the claimed negative effects of illegal downloads.
The Piratebay domain moves to Greenland - circumvents blockade (3)
- Tue 9 Apr 14:23 by DoMiN8ToR
- Piracy
The PirateBay has moved to the domain thepiratebay.gl in fear that their previous domain would be ceased by Swedish authorities
Intel 9 series chipset has native SATA Express (SATA over PCIe) support (2)
- Wed 17 Apr 13:57 by DoMiN8ToR
- Solid State (ssd)
A Chinese tech site has posted a picture that reveals details on Intel's 9 series chipset.
