12 November 2015

Amy Adams must clarify why New Zealanders are being detained on Island

The Green Party is calling on the Justice Minister to release the full list of the reasons New Zealanders are imprisoned on Christmas Island, and for the Prime Minister to correct his statement that the detainees were “rapists and murderers”.

Justice Minister Amy Adams has given media an edited summary of offences committed by some of the New Zealanders on Christmas Island, but has refused to release details about those detainees who have not committed any offences, or who were imprisoned for minor offences several years ago.

The edited summary shows that none of those imprisoned on Christmas Island are rapists or murderers, as John Key has claimed they are.

“Amy Adams knows John Key was wrong to call the detainees on Christmas Island rapists and murderers, and she should release the full list of reasons that New Zealand citizens are being detained by the Australian authorities,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said.

“By branding all detainees as rapists and murderers John Key was clearly trying to stir up hatred for them, so he could get away with not having to challenge the Australian PM about his country’s treatment of New Zealanders and others who are being unfairly detained.

“John Key should correct his statements given in the House, and clarify the fact that there are no rapists or murderers on Christmas Island.

“The Prime Minister’s cynical political attacks have once again seen him make international headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“New Zealand should be famous for our beautiful environment and for being human rights leaders, not for an embarrassing Prime Minister who resorts to name calling and abuse in order to get his way,” Mrs Turei said.

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