Media Statement
For immediate release
Friday, 4 February 2005

Smith: Iti charges important for rule of law

Tame Iti needed to be charged with firearm offences if New Zealand is serious about the rule of law, United Future justice spokesman Murray Smith said today.

"It really is quite simply about one law for all - that is more than a catch-cry; it needs to be a reality, and whenever someone is clearly flouting a law with impunity, the country is diminished regardless of the cause," Mr Smith said.

The delay in police charging Iti was reprehensible and reeked of double standards.

"The fact is we all know that if you, I or the fellow down the road discharged a firearm in a public place, we would be in court the next day answering for it.

"Iti will now answer for it. Lessons need to be taken from why the police were so slow to act and a top-level determination needs to reassure the public that these games won't be played again," Mr Smith said.

Ends.

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