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National | Child abuse

Nationwide rallies call for justice in Moko case

People from around the country will band together on June 27 to protest against the reduced charges faced by Moko Rangitoheriri’s alleged killers.

Three-year-old Moko died after enduring two months of severe abuse and being denied medical treatment at the hands of his carers. ​

Tania Shailer and David Haerewa have pleaded guilty to the manslaughter, and will be sentenced on June 27 at Rotorua District Court.

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.

So far over 3,800 people have signed the petition.

Rallies will start at local courthouses nationwide at 9am.

For more information go to the Stand UP NZ – Justice For Moko Facebook page here.