FROM: October 15th Solidarity
DATE: 25th May 2011 - for immediate release

"The lives of the 18 political activists facing charges from the nation-wide state terror of 15 October 2007 are on hold for yet another year" says October 15th Solidarity spokesperson Peter Steiner. In a call-over in the Auckland High Court this morning, Justice Rodney Hansen said it was not practicable to have the trial this year so a date was being sought for February 2012, over four years after the arrests and 12 months from now by the time the hearing has finished.

"The 18 defendants have had to cope as best they can but their lives have been on hold for most of the last four years as they face the prospect of a three-month trial. At least one defendant resigned a full-time job last month to prepare for the case - only to face yet another adjournment and ongoing chaos in their life - and for many finding work and accommodation has been difficult due to their names linked to the word 'terrorism' on the internet."

"At least reporting to police is now no longer required under the bail conditions. However, a condition to surrender passports and restrict international travel still remains."

"Why is the Crown pursuing these charges, wasting millions of dollars of tax-payers money while it is the police's view that the best outcome for them is a few meager fines?"

"Our group continues to demand that all charges are dropped and we encourage the Solicitor-General to step in and follow Moana Jackson and Jane Kelsey's recommendation and end this sorry-saga of state violence. Drop the charges!" concluded Peter Steiner.

ENDS

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