Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party
2 May 2005

FREE SCHAPELLE FROM DEATH OR LIFE IMPRISONMENT

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party calls upon the N.Z.Government to express the concerns of New Zealand Citizens to the Indonesian Government, and condemn any death sentance or life imprisonment for Schapelle Corby's alleged cannabis offences.

We have written a letter to our Prime Minister Helen Clark, (attached) requesting our government put pressure on the Indonesian Ambassador here in New Zealand, to spare Schapelle Corby's life. We have had a reply saying Ms Clark has referred the matter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We are waiting for a reply and some urgent action from him.

We think media coverage has been good on this issue but much more needs to be said and done. As you see in this case, the drug war does not just generate crime, it also empowers despot regimes such as Indonesia to abuse human rights at all levels.

According to our sources, Schapelle Corby is not the first victim and it is certainly not the first time, baggage handlers have been used to assist drug couriers with their goods. It is common practice around the world and has been for over 30 years.

The Corby case is a huge embarrassment to all prohibitionists in Australia and New Zealand. It can only lead to revulsion against any such draconian and unjust penalties ever being considered here. Even very conservative people will be uneasy about this case, which forces them to view the ugliest face of prohibition.

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party is committed to continue putting pressure on our Government, to follow through on recommendations from two Government Health Select Committee Inquiries, which found the current system of cannabis prohibition a failed policy, that does nothing to stop people using cannabis.

The 1998 Health Select Committee Inquiry stated "... we recommend that the government review the appropriateness of existing policy on cannabis use and reconsider the legal status of cannabis." The 2000 - 2003 HSCR stated that "...we recommend to the House that the Justice and Electoral Committee consider an appropriate legal status for cannabis..."

Unfortunately at the 2002 elections, United Future forced Labour to accept an agreement, that there would be no change to the legal status of cannabis, in return for their support.

"Cannabis has been the defining issue in the composition of the present coalition" says Michael Appleby - ALCP Leader " We will continue to work for political change in this year's elections". The ALCP would be disappointed if any more 'agreements' were made after this election, to stop the democratic process of progressing cannabis law reform.

Thankyou for reading our letter. We will keep you informed on the government's response to our expressions of concern regarding Schapelle Corby.

ENDS

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