Terror suspect would not be detained on arrival in NZ - Little

Published: March 9, 2021, 4:44 a.m.

"Free subject to conditions" - that would be the security status of terror suspect Suhayra Aden in the community if she returns to New Zealand, according to a senior government minister. It looks increasingly likely the 25-year-old and her two children will end up here. They are being held in a deportation centre in Turkey after trying to illegally cross the border from Syria. New Zealanders have been assured national security would be a high priority if Aden is returned to New Zealand, but the government admits there are no laws in place that would allow her to be detained on arrival. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson has the story.