New Zealand First MP Ron Mark today stated his support and appreciation for the outstanding work carried out by the Family and Friends of Murder Victims organisation, and expressed his sympathy for those left to grieve for murdered family members and friends.

Today (February 16), is the day on which Friends and Families of Murder Victims hold a memorial service to remember all of the victims of the heinous crime of murder.

“That we have experienced yet another rash of senseless murders in recent times indicates that our society has not yet addressed the need to take more drastic action to deter people so readily turning to murder”, said Mr Mark.

“I was encouraged by the recent comments by Mr Brent Bestic, the recently retired Manager of Paremoremo Prison calling for debate on appropriate punishment for offenders.

“It is however, much to my regret that so often, senior prison and police personnel only feel able to voice their concerns and frustrations on the eve of their retirement,” he said.

“Meanwhile I urge the Family and Friends of Murder Victims not to give up their struggle for better recognition of the rights and needs of victims of crime and their families,” concluded Mr Mark.

ENDS.

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