Press Statement
MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira
Freedom Fighter is Now Free
Friday 15th February

It was great news yesterday to hear that my brother from Tuhoe, Tame Iti, has been granted parole and will be released from prison by the end of the month. I sincerely hope that Tame enjoys his freedom and catching up with whanau and friends. I know I’ll be making a journey to Tuhoe country in the coming weeks to welcome back the bro.

Yesterday’s decision again highlights that the government and the courts got it wrong when it came to Tame. He’s served nine months for a two and a half year sentence because the Parole Board ruled that he is not a risk to society, a fact that should have been recognised when the government laid charges and the court case began. That’s nine months too long if you ask me and a black mark against the name of Tame Iti must still be erased. With any luck his Tuhoe whanaunga, Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara, should also be granted parole on Monday and be released before March.

Tuhoe and Maori up and down the country are celebrating the news of Tame’s release. At long last a freedom fighter has been granted his freedom.

ENDS

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