Prisoner victimised

From the Polynesian Panther Party Newsletter

An example of victimization of prisoners is the case of brother Wayne Wattie who was an inmate at Ohura Prison. While playing a game of darts one hit a window and made a small hole. Wayne was charged with wilful damage. He was unjustly accused of deliberately making a hole in the window with a glasscutter, and so he stood a chance of losing his remission (two months). Wayne made an appeal and as a result arrangements were made for Wayne to be represented by a lawyer when he was due to appear in front of a visiting justice, only to discover that he can only be represented by the Super of the Prison. But, the ironic thing is that the Super is the man who is formally charging him. In other words a prisoner is accused, charged and represented by the Superintendent. You can't tell us that's justice!

The P.P.P. Legal Adviser notified the Superintendent that arrangements were being made for expert witnesses to appear on Wayne's behalf on May 25, the date set as his appeal day. However, without adequate notification (about two hours) Wayne was notified that he was appearing on the evening of the 24th. Hence he was unable to present witnesses for his defence. Again, like many other Polynesians Wayne was confronted with a one-sided situation. Everything was stacked against him, culturally, and 'legally' according to NZ law.

Letters were sent to the Minister of Injustice by the P.P.P, fellow inmates and Wattie pointing out the need for prisoners to be represented by lawyers in court. After all it takes a lawyer about five years to learn how to perform in court, and this is confirmed by the recent Duty Solicitor Scheme. Typically the Minister of Injustice replied that there was no country in the world that has such a right for prisoners. We say that's no excuse!

Wayne inevitably lost his appeal, had to pay damages and lost nineteen days remission.

The P.P.P. called on the news media for publicity of this injustice only to be told 'no, we need more cases!'

Throughout New Zealand, over 50% of the prison population are Polynesians and the media says 'more cases!'