By Adam Ray
Internet millionaire Kim Dotcom has praised New Zealand’s justice system, as his lawyers fight moves from United States officials to keep evidence against him secret.
Dotcom and his lawyers were at the Court of Appeal in Wellington today, with Dotcom saying the US is pursuing a malicious case.
Dotcom's trip to Wellington started with Parliament yesterday and concluded today at the court.
“So far the judicial system has been very good and fair,” he says.
Dotcom has good reason to like our courts, with a recent ruling ordering US officials to disclose more evidence in their case against him.
Crown lawyers acting for the US want the judgement forcing disclosure of evidence overturned.
It involves a huge amount of data, much of it taken from equipment seized during raids on Dotcom's Auckland mansion in January.
Lawyer for the US John Pike says Dotcom's lawyers have enough information on the US case and there is too much other information.
“The list of items and emails is beyond comprehension,” he says.
Dotcom's lawyer Paul Davison says the legal process between New Zealand and the US isn't one-way, so US officials who got so much evidence from New Zealand should now return copies of that evidence.
“And somewhere in there Mr Dotcom has to think that he's getting a fair hearing,” Mr Davison says.
Dotcom does think he's getting a fair hearing here, but isn't so confident about the US justice system.
“This case is very malicious the way it is designed.”
The judges reserved their decision today, leaving Dotcom to return to Auckland taking the scenic route.
“I prefer to drive,” he says.
One of Dotcom's next court appearances will really test his faith in New Zealand courts – he faces an extradition hearing in March.
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