MANA President Annette Sykes

A Sad Day for Justice

24th May 2012

Today is a sad day for justice in Aotearoa.

There is no way that Tame Iti and Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara should have been jailed for two and a half years.

The decision today is a case of history repeating itself. In 1916 Tuhoe Prophet Rua Kenana was found not guilty for treason by a jury. Despite the verdict, the judge concerned found him guilty of resisting arrest and sentenced him to one year hard labour, followed by 18 months imprisonment. The jury were so incensed over the harshness of the sentence, they submitted a petition and had the sentence reduced.

Tame and Te Rangikaiwhiria, much like their tipuna Rua Kenana, have been wrongfully imprisoned and their sentence will be subject to a number of appeals.

The real criminals in this case are still walking around as free individuals – the police who entered the community of Ruatoki without permission.

MANA will do everything in its power to achieve justice for the people of Ruatoki.

ENDS

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