Media Release 19.02.08

Support Message To Arrested And Upcoming Rally in Wellington

The Wellington October 15th Solidarity Group sends a message of unconditional support and solidarity to the people arrested today in Maketu and Ruatoki.

"We send our love and support to the people of Tuhoe and others affected by the arrests since October 15th, 2007. The events of today can only add to the trauma they have experienced" said a spokesperson for the group. "We support their struggle for Te Mana Motuhake O Tuhoe and Tino Rangatiratanga".

"These arrests are the continuation of the state persecution of Tuhoe. After the embarrassing collapse of their attempt to use the Terrorism Suppression Act, the police are intent on substituting quantity for quality in charges and evidence. Despite two years and $9 million of surveillance resulting in many tens of thousands of pages of supposed evidence, police know the charges they have against the original defendants aren't going to stick, so they are rounding up more people in a racist effort to vilify the entire Tuhoe people in the public mind."

There will be a rally starting at 12pm on Saturday, 23 February, 2007 at Manners Mall to show our support with the arrested and to inform the public.

We demand:
- all charges be dropped against all defendants
- no more police raids, no more arrests
- repeal all terrorism laws
- leave Tuhoe alone

ENDS

Rally Details:
When: Saturday, 23.02.08, 12pm
Where: Manners Mall, Wellington Central

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