Woman charged over ‘upsetting’ Facebook post

A Masterton woman who posted a message on Facebook about the Christchurch shootings will be charged with inciting racial disharmony.

Senior Sergeant Jennifer Hansen said the 28-year-old was reported to police after she published the ‘‘upsetting’’ message, saying it was related to ‘‘the events in Christchurch and this person’s views on what had occurred’’.

‘‘We were made aware that this post had been put up on Facebook which had upset a number of people to the point that they felt uncomfortable taking kids to school because of the comments that had been made.’’

She would not provide details of what was in the post.

‘‘I wouldn’t want to say what had been said but there was reference to the Muslim community in amongst those comments.’’

The post was taken down shortly afterwards due to the backlash from other users, Hansen said. ‘‘But not before police were made aware of it and she was subsequently brought in and spoken to.’’

To be charged with inciting racial disharmony under Human Rights Act legislation, police must have reason to believe the comments published were either threatening, abusive, or insulting. They must be likely to create hostility or ill-will against any group of people in New Zealand due to their colour, race, ethnicity or nationality.

The woman’s message was shared among members of a local school community.

Masterton Primary School principal Sue Walters said she was aware of an offensive post but would not comment on its details.

‘‘Otherwise I’m guilty of promulgating the same stuff.’’

Hansen said the case could potentially be dealt with by the Iwi Justice Panel.

She said Facebook posts were not considered private because they could be widely disseminated.

‘‘People have this perception that if they put something on their Facebook page that it’s their private views.

‘‘The reality is that with Facebook it just goes so much further than that. Anyone has the ability to share that message and it can be seen by quite a wide audience.’’

‘‘We were made aware that this post had been put up on Facebook which had upset a number of people to the point that they felt uncomfortable taking kids to school.’’ Senior Sergeant Jennifer Hansen