Aboriginal leader protests NZ police raids on Maori activists

Queensland Murri leader protests NZ police raids on Maori activists

Sam Watson says ‘Brutal, racist use of police repression in Aotearoa’

Sam Watson, Queensland Murri leader and Socialist Alliance Senate candidate in the coming Australian federal elections, condemned the recent raids by New Zealand police on the homes of Maori and other social movement activists, in a statement released on October 24.

“These ‘anti-terror’ raids by NZ police are nothing more than the brutal, racist use of repression against Maori and other political activists,” Sam Watson said.

“Indigenous people in Australia, who recently suffered a military invasion of their lands in the Northern Territory, by the Howard government, condemn these acts of aggression by the NZ state.

The raids by more than 300 police, many armed, began on the morning of October 15, in cities and towns the length and breadth of NZ, and are still continuing.

At least 17 people have been arrested in the raids, which were carried out under the 2002 Suppression of Terrorism Act. Prominent Maori activist Tami Titi was among those arrested and charged. People were threatened with weapons by police, and others were locked up for hours while their homes were searched.

Since the raids, protests have taken place all across New Zealand, as well as in some Australian cities. More protests are planned to coincide with court hearings of those arrested.

“We understand, and fully support, the movement by Maori activists to stand up for their social and land rights, stolen by the NZ government over many decades. We protest the use of police repression and violence in Aotearoa, just as we have stood up against police killings and legal discrimination here in Australia – most recently in the case of Mulrunji Doomadgee on Palm Island.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the indigenous communities of Aotearoa in their continuing struggle for their rights, and call for the dropping of all these unjust and trumped-up charges by the NZ police.

“Together, we will win!

"In solidarity,Sam Watson."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHONE SAM WATSON ON 0401 227 443 OR PAUL BENEDEK ON 0410 629 088.

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By Janette Whooley

Hi my name is Jan I am from NewZealand living in Perth. Myself and my two sons 17 and 13 along with my brother, two sisters a brother-in-law and their 6 children are going to Cuba in December to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Southern cross friendship society. Cuba has given support and aide to many countries around the world. It has stood firm in the face of Bushs' crippling embargo and has offered solidarity to many groups seeking truth and justice.

Australia will soon be voting for yet another, rascist, war mongering prime minister (no matter who wins the election) and the world will again see us as the true terrorist against all people seeking a humane society.

I would like to make a small video dedicated this anniversary to Cuba, showing the many groups and organizations who believe in creating a better world of solidarity and friendship. I would like to know if your organization would be interested in sending their message of struggle and hope to the people of Cuba who support your cause in spirit. Thankyou for listening to me if know of other groups who may be interested can you forward this on.

Yours most sincerely and in friendship
Jan.