24 May 2012

Green Party comment on Urewera sentencing

There should be a full and independent inquiry into all aspects of the so called Urewera case now that sentencing is completed, Green Party Police spokesperson David Clendon said today.

Two of the 'Urewera Four' - Tame Iti and Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara - have been jailed. Urs Signer and Emily Bailey had their sentences adjourned but home detention was signalled.

“The sentences handed down to Mr Iti and Mr Kemara are at the steep end of the scale,” Mr Clendon said today.

“New Zealand already has an expanded prison population and I fail to see what will be achieved by incarcerating Mr Iti and Mr Kemara.

“This affair has already dragged on for nearly five years of the Urewera Four’s lives.

“Millions of dollars has been wasted on this case, on the grounds that there was some terrorist plot afoot.

“The Crown should, now that sentencing has been completed, give an apology to the community of Ruatoki and others caught up in this excessive use of police and government powers,” said Mr Clendon.
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