PRESS RELEASE

Solidarity Protest Against Police Racism in New Zealand

A call for justice and a halt to police racism and violence against Maori is the at the heart of a protest being held this afternoon in Hong Kong (7pm New Zealand time) at the New Zealand Consulate General.

Local and regional student groups, human rights, Christian and migrant worker NGO's will present a letter condemning the New Zealand Government for it's inaction against the rising cases of violence experienced by Maori at the hands of the state through the NZ Police Force.

"The continued oppression of Maori at the hands of the state must cease! The killing of Steven Wallaceby police is the latest incident of 160 years of colonisation which has used state power be it military or legal to dispossess Maori of dignity and power," says Helen Te Hira of the Asian Students Association, organisers of this afternoons solidarity action.

"The NZ government cannot afford to hide behind the fist of the state, the racist history of New Zealand is not unknown internationally. Today's gathering is an expression of solidarity from the international community for justice. " .

The protest letter also calls for the creation of independent body to investigate the death of Steven Wallace outside of the Police Complaints Authority, believing that the police as perpetrators of violence are not in a position to therefore act as judge and juror.

Stop the violence and discrimination against Maori! Justice for Steven Wallace and all other victims of racist Police attacks!

WHERE: NZ Consulate General Wan Chai, Hong Kong

WHEN: May 5 2000 2pm (HK time)

For further comment please contact

Helen Te Hira Asian Students Association Ph: 00852 2388 0515 Fax: 00852 2782 5535 E-mail: asasec@netvigator.com

ASA is the regional student association with members from 32 countries in the Asia-Pacific, including the New Zealand student and youth organisations of NZUSA, TMA) Te Mana Akonga and Radical Society Aotearoa. It is based in Hong Kong.

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