Radio comments about Zaoui inaccurate, says BSA

Ahmed Zaoui. File picture

Two comments about refugee Ahmed Zaoui broadcast on Radio Pacific talkback have been ruled inaccurate by the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA).

It upheld a complaint by Vivienne Parre that the comment "(he's a terrorist)... it's been proven in Switzerland" was incorrect because Zaoui had not been charged with an offence there.

The remark was made by Pacific Radio host Mark Bennett.

Mrs Parre's complaint about Bennett saying Mr Zaoui could return to Malaysia and would be allowed to go back "tomorrow if he wants to pack his kit bag" was also upheld.

The BSA said the comment implied Mr Zaoui could freely travel to, and would be safe in Malaysia, when it was more likely he could be deported to his homeland of Algeria.

However, the BSA declined to uphold Mrs Parre's complaint that Bennett's comment "I don't care if we shoot him and send him out in a dog food can" breached good taste and decency standards.

While that comment was "on the fringe of acceptability", Bennett's tone suggested he was being deliberately outrageous and provocative, and it was not meant to be taken seriously.

A statement from Bennett submitted to the BSA said: "I don't believe it, but I accept I did say it. It was without malice, I promise. Is there no room here for asides, humour... and given my attitude to the guy, this was humour, a little leg pulling."

The BSA decided the two breaches of accuracy were not sufficient to justify an order, such as a broadcast of the decision, against Radio Pacific's owner CanWest.

It declined an application for the suppression of Mrs Parre's name.

Mr Zaoui, a former Algerian MP, fled to New Zealand in 2003 and was held in prison for two years after the Security Intelligence Service declared him a threat to national security.

He was freed on bail last December by the Supreme Court.

Inspector-General of Security Justice Paul Neazor is due to decide Mr Zaoui's future in New Zealand, but this is unlikely to happen before this year's general election.

- NZPA