Green MP Smear

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has endorsed a far-right campaign accusing Green MP Benjamin Doyle of paedophilia, accusations deemed baseless. The campaign originated from online figures associated with the Freedoms and Rights Coalition, known for anti-vaccine and conspiracy theory advocacy. These figures posted images suggesting Doyle's involvement in child exploitation based on his past involvement with youth mentorship programs and his general advocacy for young people. Peters amplified these accusations by sharing a post linking to the campaign and vaguely referencing Doyle's role on a select committee concerning Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand's child welfare agency. This endorsement has sparked outrage and accusations of promoting dangerous and baseless conspiracy theories for political gain. The Green Party has strongly condemned Peters' actions, emphasizing the lack of evidence and potential harm caused by these false allegations. Concerns are raised about the normalization of such tactics within New Zealand politics and the potential for real-world consequences, including threats and harassment towards Doyle and his family. The incident highlights the growing influence of far-right elements in New Zealand and their use of online platforms to spread misinformation and target political opponents. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/03/ganl-a03.html