Life Valued More in Brazil than New Zealand?
Thursday 20 Jun 2002 Penny Webster Press Releases -- Crime & Justice
The sentences given to the Brazilian killers of Sir Peter Blake contrast starkly with murder penalties in New Zealand,
ACT Women's Affairs Spokesman MP Penny Webster said today.
"I'm stunned by the hypocrisy of Prime Minister Helen Clark, who considers the sentences given to the Brazilian
murderers "fitting", yet advocates shorter sentences at home.
"In New Zealand, the average criminal sentenced to "life imprisonment" serves just eleven years in jail. In Brazil, the
man who killed Sir Peter Blake will be in jail for up to 30 years, with no parole for at least twenty years.
"Life imprisonment should mean just that. New Zealand law turns judges into liars, and shows contempt for the victims
of crimes. ACT's policy of Truth in Sentencing would restore justice to the system," Mrs Webster said.
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.