Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki is facing charges of inciting racial disharmony.<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post, Tamaki said two police officers arrived at his South Auckland home to serve him with a summons to appear in the Manukau District Court. Tamaki was also livestreaming the visit. <\/p>\n
Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson confirmed officers were at an Auckland property to summons a person on three charges of inciting racial disharmony.<\/p>\n
She said a 68-year-old man would appear in the Manukau District Court on October 19.<\/p>\n
“Police is not in a position to comment on the specifics of this individual\u2019s case as the matter is now before the court.” <\/p>\n
The charges are laid under the Human Rights Act, with consent to prosecute delegated to the Solicitor-General.<\/p>\n
In practice, and by convention, consent is requested by the prosecuting agency to the Deputy Solicitor-General (Criminal) at Crown Law.<\/p>\n
Tamaki shared that the charges related to dates between June 15 and June 21, saying it was when he was challenging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi<\/a> over “human rights violations and the persecution of Christians in India”.<\/p>\n “I believe these charges relate directly to my podcasts and public commentary concerning Modi. I intend to establish precisely which statements police are relying upon.” <\/p>\n Tamaki claimed he had “never threatened anyone” and “never advocated violence against anyone”. <\/p>\n “I have consistently challenged religious beliefs, religious practices and political leaders – NOT people because of their race,” he said.<\/p>\n “I have Indian friends. I have people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds in my church.”<\/p>\n