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Maori lawyers support the call for a review
of television cameras in court.
Justice Minister Judith Collins says
she wants to see what's working and what's not.
Raiha Johns explains.
Allowing cameras in court -
a policy that's been in place in Aotearoa for 12 years.
The Minister of Justice wants a review of the policy
to protect the rights of victims.
Charl Hirschfeld, lawyer for Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara,
one of the accused in the Urewera case, who was jailed
for arms possession this year.
Cameras were allowed in court for the Urewera trials.
No faces were blurred, no voices distorted,
and there was even a documentary about it.
There's currently no law
that says sacred stories about ancestors and land,
or tribal stories that come out in court must not be broadcasted.
Hirschfeld says these are the stories that need to be protected.
A panel is being assembled for the review.
Raiha Johns, Te Karere.