In the face of a media which only presents the point of view of the court, prosecution and the police re the sentencing the following point can be. The whole process has been a large incentive for the police to act illegally in the future as they did in a sustained and comprehensive fashion in this case. As the sentencing Judge said in relation to Tame Iti and Rangi Kemara the end does not justify the means. Equally the same could have been said of a case where the means being the illegality of the NZ Police has been allowed to justify the end being the vindication of the establishment. What a very sad day for New Zealand. If ever there was a case where some restraint was required for the good of all this was it. That opportunity has been lost. Its simply a case of short term gain for long term pain.
Its a sad day indeed when the cultural intolerance in NZ is justified as legitimate fear. The fact the judge endorsed this fear will set a precedent I doubt race relations can overcome. This is a shameful injustice to all four accused and to every NZ citizen.
ReplyDeleteLet's see what the Court of Appeal has to say about the sentencing judge's remarks. IMHO they aren't valid after failure of the charge of participating in an organized criminal group. Put up or shut up.
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