Media Release: Operation 8 sentencing for Urs and Em

Date: Wednesday, 20 June

'On Thursday 21 June at 9am at the Auckland High Court, Urs Signer and
Emily Bailey will be sentenced by Justice Rodney Hansen for firearms
convictions relating to Operation 8. These convictions, as with the
entirety of Operation 8 is a travesty of justice,' said Valerie Morse, member of the October 15th Solidarity group.

'It is now well known that these convictions were only secured with the
use of illegally obtained evidence. Just as importantly, this entire
police operation was based on racist fears of a colonial state that is
terrified of genuine Maori control of their lives, lands and resources.
Operation 8 was not about investigating criminal offending. It was about
targeting Taame Iti and other activists who are seeking radical change
for a more just, equitable and ultimately peaceful society.'

'Operation 8 has been a huge waste of resources. It has also been a huge
waste of people's lives. Now two really good people are sitting in
prison when they could be continuing the regular community service that
has always been part of their lives. On Thursday, we expect that Urs and
Emily will be sentenced to 9 months home detention. Their freedom of
movement will be totally restricted and their ability to contribute to
their community at Parihaka and Taranaki in a meaningful way will be
removed. This is the way the New Zealand state deals with people who
seek positive social change.'

ENDS

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