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Ureweras National Park - Source: ONE News
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The 15 people accused of firearms charges after raids in the Ureweras have been given permission to appeal against a High Court decision to deny them a jury trial.
The Supreme Court has today granted them leave to appeal for a jury trial instead of having their trial heard by a judge alone.
The 15 are due to defend charges under the Arms Act at a trial in Auckland beginning on May 30. Five of them are also facing charges of participating in an organised criminal group.
Last month the Solicitor-General was urged to exercise his discretion to stay the proceedings against the Urewera 18. Lawyer Moana Jackson and Professor Jane Kelsey from the University of Auckland made the request of David Collins in a letter which was endorsed by more than 150 prominent Maori, academics and social justice campaigners.
Jackson said the accused, their whanau and the whole of Tuhoe have had this hanging over them for almost four years.
"They already carry the label of 'terrorists' forever," he said, adding that they had been unable to live a normal life.
Kelsey said that right to a jury trial is fundamental to the case and if the publicity means there can't be an untainted jury then the Crown needs to stay the proceedings.
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