Ben & Olivia

Friday 22nd Jun 2001 Stephen Franks Media Release -- Justice

Bring the bodies home says ACT’s Justice spokesman Stephen Franks.

“If the Police think there is a high probability that Ben and Olivia’s bodies have been found they should be given enough money to bring them home. If it’s the $15,000 to $20,000 the families understand it will cost there should be no hesitation.

“Here we have victim families we can help immediately and practically. The families have been through so much, surely we can afford this last effort.

“And it isn’t only their uncertainty it will settle. There is enough prospect of endless mistrust and even cost to the Police from conspiracy theories and doubts about Watson’s conviction to make it worthwhile taking whatever steps are needed to reduce the mystery.

“The Victim’s Rights Bill is currently before the Justice & Electoral select committee. It offers Clayton’s rights. Victims are confined to impact statements instead of being recognised as true parties to prosecution of criminals. Without criticising the Police their hesitation on this shows how little regard the law pays to the victims of crimes,” Stephen Franks said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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