What Are The Parole Conditions?

Parole is wrong but, while we have it, it must be transparent, ACT New Zealand Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said today - in light of the decision to free Dr Morgan Fahey on parole.

"It is an insult to the Courts, and all law-abiding New Zealanders, to have a Parole Board spokesman say `there are a number of special conditions, but I'm not going to go into the details of that'.

"Fahey's six-year sentence was given in open court, and the judge had to give reasons. But the Parole Board overturns the decision of the Courts in secret sessions.

"When the Minister's appointees interfere with a decision made in open Court, the very least they could do is tell New Zealanders exactly why and how the parole period will serve the sentence purposes of deterrence, prevention, rehabilitation and accountability.

"Parole is an insult to victims. The sentence is supposed to satisfy them that justice has been done. Parole ignores them - but it is worse when the Board doesn't even explain the conditions or the reasons," Mr Franks said.

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