Marches will take place across the country this morning as the killers of Moko Rangitoheriri are sentenced in the Rotorua District Court.
Tania Shailer and David Haerewa pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Moko which sparked outrage from many who believed the pair should have been charged with murder.
Three-year-old Moko died after suffering months of severe abuse at the hands of his carers, he was also denied medical treatment.
Sensible Sentencing Trust founder Garth McVicar says, “We call on all people who are outraged by the reduced charges – and consequently much shorter sentence – faced by Moko’s killers to show their support for an overhaul of the system by protesting on 27 June. If you can’t make it to Rotorua, there will be a protest at the High Court nearest you.”
Multiple rallies have been organised around Aotearoa, including Rotorua, Huntly, Dunedin, Wellington, Nelson, Tauranga, Auckland, Whangarei, Hastings, Whakatāne, Gisborne, Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo and New Plymouth.
This comes after around 1500 people hit the pavements of Auckland to march in solidarity for Moko Rangitoheriri earlier this year. It was one of many marches between Kerikeri and Nelson all calling for the same outcome, to put an end to child abuse.
Stand Up NZ has also started a petition, calling the government to change laws around plea bargaining negotiations.
“We want to send a clear message to the government by getting tens of thousands of signatures on a petition calling for an end to a system that not only allowed but facilitated Moko’s heartless and evil killers receiving much less than they deserve.” said McVicar.
Te Kaea will be at the rallies across the country and will bring you more tonight at 5:30pm.