Newstalk ZB
August 30 2004

Rape allegations inquiry may be secret

It now looks as though the Commission of Inquiry into allegations that police raped two women may have to go behind closed doors.

The inquiry has been delayed while the commissioners decide how they can conduct the inquiry at the same time as the policemen involved are prosecuted.

Prime Minister Helen Clark understands their concern and the issue for the commission is how both processes can run simultaneously.

She believes it can be done but it is their decision to make.

Miss Clark says the evidence before the commission could be made public after the prosecutions are complete.

The commission is scheduled to report back to the Government in November.