Pledging for Taame Iti and Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara’s appeal fund

https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/Crowd/Details/350

Wellington musicians and social justice advocates Jessie Moss and Vanessa Stacey are the team rallying together artists from all over New Zealand, to raise $3500 towards the $50,000 appeal fund being gathered by Tuuhoe whanau for Taame Iti and Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara.

"We approached our circle of friends to see who would support this cause, of Taame and Rangi having a fair go in the justice system, which has so far proved unjust over the course of five years. Artist from all over New Zealand instantly replied, lending not only their names and images, but their works, which are listed as ‘rewards’ for pledging certain amounts towards the fund. These artists include Tuuhoe painter Asher Newbery, bands and musicians The Nudge, Anna Coddington, Mara TK (Ngai Tahu / Ngati Kahungungu), Imon Starr, Jessie James and the Outlaws, The Eastern and more, film makers Errol King and Abi Wright (Operation 8) and Print maker Nais” said Jessie Moss.

We believe Taame and Rangi are currently serving disproportionate sentences of 2.5 years for Arms Charges that would usually attract sentences of community service or fines. And also that the time they are currently serving is a reflection of the sentencing Judge's belief that they were organising crime, despite their being no evidence of this presented by the Crown and not being found guilty of such a charge by the jury in May this year.

Furthermore, they have been sentenced using evidence that was dismissed by the Supreme Court in 2011 for the other 13 defendants who had their charges dropped as a result. That evidences was ruled as illegally gathered by the police, and therefore inadmissible to court.

Why then have Taame, Rangi, (Urs Signer and Emily Bailey), been found guilty using the same evidence?

It is this point that forms the basis of the appeal being lodged.

ENDS

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