Vaccine Critic’s Trial Continues in New Zealand

When hundreds of protesters gathered in front of New Zealand’s Parliament in 2022 to protest against COVID-19 mandates and lockdowns, many were keen to speak with journalists. The details varied depending on who was telling the story, but there was a common thread, too: the state, in all its forms, was conspiring against its own citizens. But even for those inclined to agree with conservative political pundit Charles Krauthammer, who said, “In explaining any puzzling [government] phenomenon, always choose stupidity over conspiracy, incompetence over cunning.” Events this week in courtroom seven at the Manukau District Court, offer considerable evidence that the state is not above using power to stifle critics....