10-10-07

Prime Minister's Death Penalty Comments An Insult To Victims Says Watchdog

Helen Clarks announcement that New Zealand is joining with Amnesty International to have the death penalty abolished world wide is an insult to families of murder victims says a victims watchdog organization.

The Prime Minister made the announcement while speaking to representatives of Amnesty International in Parliament; Helen Clark went on to say that the death penalty was the ultimate form of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment.

That statement has angered the Sensible Sentencing Trust who lobbies and advocated on behalf of victims of violent crime.

Trust spokesman Garth McVicar said the Prime Minister's statement is a slap in the face for victims who have had a loved one murdered.

"To call the death penalty the ultimate form of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment is an absolute insult to these victims; Helen Clark should spend the night with a murder victim's family to understand what cruelty and inhumane treatment is all about."

McVicar said the Prime Minister is either oblivious to the plight of victims or prepared to totally ignore the suffering and grief of these families.

"The victims I have spoken to since this dumb announcement can't believe the Prime Minister can be so unfeeling toward them, obviously Helen Clark is unable to comprehend the fact that the families of murder victims are forced to suffer the ultimate form of degradation every day. Unlike the offender they have no choice."

McVicar said the Prime Minister's comments had displayed an unprecedented arrogance and showed utter contempt towards victims who had no wish to be placed in the position they found themselves. Ends

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