6 August, 2004

Greens condemn racist outrage

The Green Party has condemned the desecration of over 90 graves and the torching of the Jewish chapel at Wellington's Makara cemetery as an outrage and unacceptable in a country that prides itself on tolerance and respect for all communities.

"Such racist acts have no place in our community," said Keith Locke, the Green Party's Human Rights spokesperson. "On behalf of the Green Party, I extend our sympathy to the Jewish community and those families directly affected."

Mr Locke expressed his solidarity with New Zealand Jewish people in a letter to the Jewish Chronicle after the desecration of 16 graves at another Wellington cemetery a couple of weeks ago.

"It is repugnant that a disturbed individual or group is targeting sites of particular historic and emotional significance to the Wellington Jewish community. This goes way beyond intolerance: this is persecution and we encourage the Police to give this case the highest priority."

ENDS

© Scoop Media