Liberate

There are currently 20 people facing charges stemming from the nation-wide State Terror raids of October 15th 2007. The depositions hearing for these charges is being heard in the Auckland District Court in the month of September, with a view towards a trial in late 2009.

These current charges under the Arms Act are the result of a failed attempt to paint people as terrorists who were seen to be involved in the Tino Rangatiratanga movement. The entire police investigation was and is politically and racially motivated.

There are groups and individuals working around the country in solidarity with the arrestees. The demands of the Wellington-based group are focused on 1. Justice for those raided (esp Ngāi Tuhoe),
2. Support for Tino Rangatiratanga and Te Mana Motuhake ō Tūhoe,
3. Repeal of the Terrorism Suppression Act and finally, dropping the charges against the 20 accused.

The support and solidarity groups have been doing some awesome work including organising days of action and protests, fundraising, writing leaflets and newsletters, holding public meetings and street stalls, running the October 15th solidarity website, and most importantly, getting people involved and engaged in the issues.

There are many people around the country who think that the charges have gone away. There are many people who falsely believe that the Police were justified in invading the town of Rūātoki and violating peoples’ rights, based on a non-existent terror threat.

We must remember that these raids are part of a long history of colonisation and occupation. They are part of a concerted effort to extinguish dissent and punish those who dare to speak out against injustice. It is our responsibility to fight back. This government is terrified of any talk of Māori sovereignty; it is terrified of any genuine dissent.

We have the opportunity to change the social organisation and values of this land. We must work to educate people on the streets about genuine freedom and justice through the acknowledgement of the on-going reality of colonisation and racism. We must agitate for action around these issues and link them to what is happening to people every day. Finally, we must organise ourselves and share the tools of organising with others.

There are many ways that you can get involved, depending on your interests. As a starting point, you can read more about the issues on the October15thSolidarity.info website, you can email us at info@october15thsoldiarity.info for ideas, local contacts and resources.

Kia kaha! Stand strong!
For more information see:

State Repression in Aotearoa / New Zealand http://www.october15solidarity.info/node/218

Land of the Long White Lie: The New Zealand Terror Raids (by one of the arrestees)

http://www.october15solidarity.info/node/254