February 18, 2013
Kemara wins early parole
The prosecution attempt to paint Tame Iti and his companions as a dangerous criminal group has received a further blow, with the Parole Board granting early release to Whiri Andrew Kemara.
Mr Kemara, also known as Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara, was sentenced with Mr Iti in May to 30 months jail on weapons charges arising from what the judge said were paramilitary training camps near Ruatoki in 2007.
The board says it is satisfied Mr Kemara no longer poses an undue risk to the safety of the community, although it imposed special conditions on his release.
He will be released on March 4, a week after Mr Iti.
Meanwhile Wairere Iti, who has been posting his father’s updates to Facebook and Twitter, says time in jail has not quenched his father’s passion for social justice.
“Something that made him sad was the number of Māori and young Māori coming into prison. This is something that really affected him and has made him speak about it more and how he can help curb that. He’s been doing it for 40years, I don’t imagine him stopping at any time soon either”. Says Wairere Iti
Tame Iti and Rangikaiwhiria, along with Emily Bailey and Urs Signer, are still waiting to hear whether the Supreme Court will hear their appeals against conviction and sentence.
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