Whistleblower and Wellington Police continue to urge people not to use social media after allegations

An indecent assault whistleblower has urged people not to take social justice into their own hands.

This follows a statement from the police regarding Operation Esmeralda, where allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, drugs or rape have been made against a group of musicians.

On Tuesday, Detective Sgt. Stephen Wescott said that people who had nothing to do with the allegations were being accused of being the offenders on social media.

Police acknowledged that operations like this created significant and justified concern in the community, but urged people to avoid sharing identifying information on social media.

READ MORE:
* The public is urged to contact the police, not to post on social media after the rape accusations against the Wellington musicians.
* People are being wrongly accused of sexual assault in Wellington on social media, police say.
* Woman speaks amid allegations of sexual assault against musicians.

The author encouraged people to go to the police and stop sharing details on social media.

“People will not be responsible if they do not follow the right pathways,” said the 20-year-old.

“If you take social justice into your own hands, the results will not happen the way you think they will.”

Stuff He has not named her for legal reasons, but may reveal that he has filed a complaint with the police for historical indecent assault.

Earlier, the woman asked others who may have similar experiences to introduce themselves and speak to the police, as her “little piece of the puzzle” can help form “the biggest part of the puzzle.”

The justice process ‘needs to run its course’

Professor Ursula Cheer, dean of the University of Canterbury School of Law, said that if the wrong person was accused, people defamed them, which was always a risk.

If people were named, it could be difficult for police to obtain witness statements, it could cause witnesses to change their statements, or make witnesses feel insecure about what they said, he said.

There could also be evidence issues that could interfere with and hamper police investigations.

“[It] Ultimately, it could mean that they can’t really charge or prosecute anyone. ”

She suggested that people contact the police instead of going on social media.

“That is the only way that the proper process can be run because there are protections around that process and it is designed to ensure that both parties are protected as much as possible, but that the matter can be investigated.

“It is important that the justice process is allowed to run its course.”

Media law expert Steven Price said people could be sued for things they post or republish online “even if they mean well.”

“Those risks are more apparent if they mistakenly identify the wrong person. But even if they identify the right person, they could be publishing the wrong accusations, ”he said.

It could also interfere with whistleblowers’ privacy rights, he said.

And, depending on the content of social media posts, it could also interfere with the right to a fair trial.

Anyone with information can contact the police through 105 and consult Operation Esmeralda.

Where to get help

• Rape crisis 0800 88 33 00.

• Support for victims 0800 842 846, text 4334, safetotalk.nz web chat or email [email protected].

• Port Online information and support for people affected by sexual abuse.

• Women’s shelter 0800733843 (female only)

• Male survivors Aotearoa Helplines in New Zealand, click for more information (male only).

• Wellington HELP 04 801 6655

• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.

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