Brian Tamaki denies charges of inciting racial disharmony after police summons
Religious leader Brian Tamaki has denied three charges of inciting racial disharmony and said he never advocated violence.
Police attended Brian Tamaki’s address to deliver a summons for three alleged breaches of the Human Rights Act, according to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson of Counties Manukau CIB. The charges, which need the Solicitor-General’s approval to proceed, relate to accusations that Tamaki’s remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amounted to inciting racial disharmony. Tamaki publicly denied ever urging violence, stating his criticism is directed at religious beliefs and political leaders, not individuals.
He suggested the charges were linked to a video in which he referenced alleged persecution of Christians in India and proposed reciprocal actions against New Zealand’s Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities. Police are examining the video’s content, and they previously seized Tamaki’s firearms after his licence was temporarily suspended in June.
Why it matters
The case tests New Zealand’s hate-speech laws and the limits of political and religious commentary.
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