October 15th Solidarity

Over the mind-numbing 19 days of the deposition hearings vis-à-vis the arms charges against 18 individuals arising from the 15 October police raids, the observations of a former NZ Police “Red Squad’ sergeant articulated shortly after those hostile events repeatedly intruded. In the Global Peace & Justice Auckland newsletter [23-10-07], those views were summarized as follows:

The former Red Squad Senior Sergeant has exposed the deficiencies in police reviews of information gathered in investigations. The analysis is subjective and carried out within a police culture of suspicion of those who challenge the status quo. Reviews therefore tend to be self-reinforcing and lack outside objectivity which would put the information in perspective.

The sergeant said that the police then begin to believe their own propaganda and we end up with the over-the-top raids around the country last week against political activists.

The lone individual discharged made a similar observation in an interview following the judge’s 17 October ruling. Rongomai Bailey said that: he and the others had been accused of being part of an "evil, terrorist group," but they were simply "victims of police who have over-active imaginations". [NZ Herald 18-10-08]

All 18 individuals were required to be present when the charges against them were read during the first September week. They were excused from court attendance until the mandatory appearance for the judge’s 17 October ruling. While some were away for work or family responsibilities, others and their families were present in Auckland throughout the arduous, trying process.

For those defendants who reside in the Wellington region, Bay of Plenty or Rotorua area, court attendance proved an expensive undertaking. Unlike the prosecutorial and police staff, the defendants and their families receive no per diem reimbursement. Transportation, lodging & meal expenses proved significant, not to mention foregone income over the six-week period.

However challenging the hearing process and its outcome, it may prove a minor inconvenience when compared to the actual trial. While the trial venue is uncertain at present, one fact is known: the prosecution and police staff will be on the payroll and will receive expense reimbursement irrespective of the jurisdiction.

For the defendants and their families, the waiting, the suspense, the disruption is a fact of life. In the face of such arbitrary and capricious abuse of power by the police, their strength and fortitude is inspirational.

Your continued support of and solidarity with the 17 is more important now than ever. To make a financial or other contribution, please go to our donations page.