15 Feb 2016

Detained soldier vents anger at Australian minister

8:48 pm on 15 February 2016

A former New Zealand soldier detained without charge in a Perth jail has written an angry open letter to the Australian Immigration Minister.

Ko Haapu has spent three months in Casuarina prison under Australia's tough new immigration laws, for belonging to an outlawed motorcycle gang.

In a letter sent to Checkpoint, Mr Happu accuses the minister, Peter Dutton, of a deliberate campaign of harassment against him and his partner.

Detained New Zealander Ko Haapu.

Detained New Zealander Ko Haapu in 2011. Photo: SNPA

He said police had been following his partner to work, sitting outside her home and pulling her over multiple times to check her licence.

Mr Haapu, who has not been charged with a crime, said police were trying their hardest to find something to pin on him.

He said the minister was putting his family through an emotional rollercoaster, which resulted in his partner's miscarriage.

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