ECPAT Concerned by Australian Judge's Decision

Monday April 23rd 2006

ECPAT New Zealand expresses deepconcern at the decision of an Australian judge to block theextradition of two Catholic clergymen to New Zealand.Justice Rodney Madgwick alleged it would be difficult forthe men to receive a fair trial due to differences betweenthe legal systems in Australia and New Zealand. DeniseArnold - legal advisor for ECPAT NZ says;

"There is noevidence the New Zealand justice system would not allow afair and just trial of these defendants. Our two legalsystems are very similar and are based on the age oldpremise of being presumed innocent until proven, beyondreasonable doubt, to be guilty. To allow these men to avoidbeing put to trial is tantamount to frustrating the legalsystem. To prejudge the complaint by preventing a trial andnot allowing the facts of the case to be taken into accountis a far greater travesty of justice.

The complainants areentitled to have the charges heard and the defendants areentitled to justice in the country in which the allegedcrime is said to have taken place. No longer do sexoffenders have to hide out in some third world country toavoid extradition. Escape is as close as Australia. Are theAustralian public prepared to become a haven for paedophilesand sex offenders from New Zealand and othercountries?"

ECPAT NZ is part of a global network committedto end sexual exploitation ofchildren.

ENDS

THIS ISSUE Lead NZ News NZ Politics World News FeaturesNew Zealand Politics

POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS: Molesworth & Featherston (Bonus Edition) April 20 Transtasman Political Letter -- 13 April Digest The Letter -- Monday, 24 April POLLS: TV3 News/TNS Opinion Poll March 2006

Art/Defence: Military Life Captured In Oils - Captain Matt Gauldie, the New Zealand Army's official artist, hosted the launch of his inaugural exhibition. Scoop popped down to Captain Gauldie's opening and and took a few snaps. Titled 'New Zealand Army Art - images of courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity', the exhibition featured Captain Gauldie's works from his Unknown Warrior through to more recent works . See... Official Army Artist Launches Timely Exhibition ALSO: NZ Govt - Army Art Exhibition launch - PM Speech AND:Donna Sarten - Exhibition: Raw War

Solomons: NZ Army and Police off to Honiara - Two RNZAF aircraft will depart Whenuapai midmorning today, bound for Honiara. An RNZAF Boeing 757 will carry 30 New Zealand Police and travel via Christchurch, where it will uplift 25 infantry soldiers from Burnham Military Camp. An RNZAF Hercules C130 will travel via Fiji to assist in transporting additional Fijian Police personnel to Honiara. It is expected the first aircraft will land shortly after 5pm (New Zealand time) and remain on the ground for a short time only. See... Solomon Islands - NZDF Assistance Image: ANZAC Day 2004, Honiara ALSO:Audio - PM And RDU's Wammo Discuss The Solomons MFAT: Solomon Islands Travel Advice Massey University - Animosity in the Solomons to run its course

Transport: Progress Toward Quieter Boy Racers - Work to introduce an objective noise test to combat noisy vehicles was nearing completion Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said today. "Officials have completed a workable test methodology for the objective noise test, based on the international ISO 5130 tailpipe noise test which has been tailored specifically for New Zealand conditions and the vehicle fleet," said Mr Duynhoven. See... Objective Noise Test a Step Closer ALSO:National - Still big holes in Harry's exhaust plan

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES: NZ Govt - Courts and Criminal Matters Bill Summary NZ Govt - New Zealand Lodges Seabed Boundary with UNNZ Govt - Legislation to target excessive salary sacrificeNZ Govt - Peters holds high level talks with EU in AustriaNZ Govt - Three-quarters of million for clean home heatingNZ Govt Deep regret at possible sale of Upham medals NZ Govt Her Majesty the Queen's 80th birthday on 21 April NZ Govt - Goff to US for Forum and trade, defence talksNational - Prisoners working less under LabourNational - National seeks to widen HNZ probeNational - Easter trading laws need updatingNational - Patients struck off second waiting listNational - Dog law will fail without council supportNational - Increase in beneficiaries claiming help for carsNational - Public have little confidence in tertiary sectorNational - NZ should take notice of party pill research National - $11 million for landscaping at prisons National - Complaint lodged over Treaty committeeGreen Party - Green going bushGreen Party - Public education the key to successful recycling Green Party - Clothing company tactics must be stoppedACT - DHBs Play "Fall Guys" For Clark And Hodgson

SCOOP WAS IN THE HOUSE:Questions And Answers - Thursday, 6 April 2006Questions And Answers - Wednesday, 5 April 2006Questions And Answers - Tuesday, 4 April 2006

POLITICAL COLUMNSMarc Alexander - Marc My Words: The 'nut-brigade' are at it againPansy Wong - Pansy Speak: Learning lessons from tragedyMurray McCully - www.mccully.co.nz 21 April 2006 Heather Roy - Heather Roy's Diary -- 21 April 2006Richard Worth - News Worthy - 21 April 2006Don Brash - Don Brash Writes - No. 75, 18 April 2006Judith Collins - Collins Comments - 10 April 2006 Bill English - Plain English - Thoughts from your MP for Clutha Wayne Mapp - The Mapp Report - 7 April 2006

FOR MORE POLITICS NEWS HEADLINES > CLICK HERE

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