Book launch to commemorate State Terror Raids

: October 15th Solidarity Date: 15 September 2010

'On 15 October 2010 we will commemorate the third anniversary of the State Terror Raids with the launch of a new book about that fateful day. The book is a collection of stories from people affected by the raids, and includes terrifying incidents of state violence and inspiring stories of resistance. The launch will be held at Thistle Hall on Cuba Street in Wellington at 6pm on the 15th of October. All supporters, friends, fellow travellers and freedom fighters are welcome!' says editor Valerie Morse

'Most New Zealanders will remember the lockdown of Ruatoki, the nation-wide raids, the "terror" hysteria followed by arrests and detention of people awaiting the decision of the Solicitor-General as to whether charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act would be authorised. What many people do not know is that the case is still on-going with 18 people awaiting trial, that the people of Ruatoki are still awaiting an apology from the police, and that resistance to the government's phony "war on terrorism" continues.'

'People tell their stories in this book. These stories are a glimpse into the experiences of the literally hundreds of people throughout the country who were affected by those raids on that day. These stories also include political analysis and personal understanding of why the raids happened, of why the police attacked the people of Tuhoe in they way did.'

'The Terror Raids of October 15th 2007 will go down in New Zealand history as one of the greatest police blunders of all time. They will be remembered for the extreme violence perpetrated on Tuhoe, and their naked racism towards Maori.

'The Terror Raids happened in part because the New Zealand government signed up to the 'war on terrorism.' They employed a whole team of police to find "terrorists", and then they gave them extraordinary powers and technology. The police and their mates at the SIS then used those powers to target Maori and political dissidents. It is the same old story: those who have power and control of this country use contemporary language to vilify and criminalise those who stand in opposition to their greed and violence. These raids are no different that the police raids into Parihaka in 1881, into Maungapohatu in 1916 or into Takaparawha in 1978. They are no different than the police brutality towards striking miners at Waihi in 1912 or Watersiders in 1951.

The people arrested in the Terror Raids continue to struggle for justice; the people of Tuhoe continue to struggle for justice, for return of their stolen land and their mana motuhake.

The October 15th Solidarity group demands that all of the charges against the 18 accused be dropped, the Terrorism Suppression Act be repealed, that Tuhoe's mana motuhake be restored and justice for those raided on be done.

The book is published by Rebel Press and will be available for order or free download on the Rebel Press website (rebelpress.org.nz) following the launch.

ENDS

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