Harassment and punishment of Operation 8 defendants continues

Despite significant relaxation of bail conditions for the 18 people facing charges resulting from the nation-wide state terror raids of October 15th, 2007, the crown continues to harass and punish defendants.

One defendant was picked up by an estimated 15 police officers for allegedly not reporting to the police station last Thursday. Yet the condition relating to reporting was reduced to three times a year (August, December and April) at the last court appearance in Auckland. The report from this defendant said that police attempted to provoke him while in custody but he remained silent.

Another Op 8 defendant is seeking permission to travel overseas for a limited time later in the year to see aging family members. His request has been denied by the crown, forcing him to take the matter to the High Court. Two defendants have already been granted permission to travel – Tame Iti and Trudi Paraha – both traveled in 2008 for performances in Europe and the US. A precedent is already in place to allow this travel, but the crown appears committed to making things more difficult for the defendants to go about their normal lives.

The battle for freedom continues on. The next scheduled court dates in relation to Operation 8 are pre-trial applications to be heard starting in the week of 17 August in the Auckland High Court. All supporters are welcome.