Today, the NZ Herald reported:
Thus with some happiness ends a very sad chapter in our countries history.
The so-called anti terror raids way back in October 2007 should never have occurred. Such repressive and draconian measures undertaken by the police have set Ngāi Tūhoe and crown relations back decades and fundamentally entrenched long standing grievances that should have been rectified a long time ago.
What needs to happen now is a concerted effort on the crowns part to mend relations with Ngāi Tūhoe to ensure grievances are heard and appropriate recompense given.
A formal apology for the abuse of law abiding citizens who were trying to go about their business would be a good idea as well... but unfortunately this worthwhile gesture has already been ruled out.
An independent inquiry into police conduct and a repeal of the Suppression of Terrorism Act (PDF) that in part caused the problems in the first place would also be appropriate.
The "Urewera Four'' will not be re-tried on a charge of belonging to an organised criminal group.
APNZ understands that the Crown will file an application for a stay of proceedings relating to the charge which a High Court jury could not return a verdict on.
The stay of proceedings - to be filed at the High Court at Auckland tomorrow - means that no retrial will go ahead.
Thus with some happiness ends a very sad chapter in our countries history.
The so-called anti terror raids way back in October 2007 should never have occurred. Such repressive and draconian measures undertaken by the police have set Ngāi Tūhoe and crown relations back decades and fundamentally entrenched long standing grievances that should have been rectified a long time ago.
What needs to happen now is a concerted effort on the crowns part to mend relations with Ngāi Tūhoe to ensure grievances are heard and appropriate recompense given.
A formal apology for the abuse of law abiding citizens who were trying to go about their business would be a good idea as well... but unfortunately this worthwhile gesture has already been ruled out.
An independent inquiry into police conduct and a repeal of the Suppression of Terrorism Act (PDF) that in part caused the problems in the first place would also be appropriate.
