New Zealand terrorism trial begins

Feb 12, 2012, 22:30 GMT

Wellington - The trial of four people accused of taking part in terrorist-style military training camps in New Zealand in 2007 began in Auckland on Monday.

Emily Bailey, Tame Iti, Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara and Urs Signer are charged with participation in an organized criminal group and unlawful possession of firearms.

Police originally wanted to charge 17 people under the Terrorism Suppression Act, but after months of legal argument the Supreme Court ruled last year that evidence has been illegally obtained and the vast majority of charges were dropped.

The raids that led to the arrest in October 2007 caused great legal and political debate after more than 300 police swooped into houses in the isolated Urewera area in the central North Island and other parts of New Zealand.

Around 100 supporters of the accused gathered outside the Auckland High Court, arguing those facing trial were victims of a miscarriage of justice.

Police say the trial could last up to three months with more than 70 witnesses being called by the prosecution.

The case has been delayed due to long and complex judicial arguments and the trial was immediately adjourned for two hours after a legal argument in the judge's chambers.