A Tūhoe activist appeared in the Porirua District Court on charges relating the Tūhoe Hikoi to Wellington in November last year. He faces 3 charges of dangerous driving and one charge for failing to stop after seeing a red and blue light (ie. a police car). The maximum penalty carries several years in prison. This was his first court appearance today and he was accompanied by a large group of supporters. After a karakia by one of his supporters, he was remanded until 30th May and his only bail condition includes a residential bail address.

Two plain clothes police officers were mingling around and sitting in the court room. One of them assisted the arrests on 15th October 2007 in Wellington. The surveillance of course continues.

Tame Iti’s lawyer Annette Sykes announced that they have successfully secured Tame’s passport so that he can travel overseas. Tame is due to appear in a production of TEMPEST II in Italy and may travel to other European cities and Japan to do further performances. This is a major victory for the case as Tame can now continue his work in educating people worldwide about the struggle of Tuhoe. [ More ]

Links: Te Mana Motuhake ō Tūhoe | www.October 15thSolidarity.info