Right to silence: Should people be forced to speak to police when a child is killed?
Stuff co.nz 26 September 2020
Family First Comment: However, Family First director Bob McCoskrie says the right to silence allows child abusers to escape punishment, and the law needs to change. “The rights of victims to justice and the urgent need for offenders to be held accountable far outweighs the right to silence and other privileges that families may seek to use to mask their guilt or involvement.”
Detectives in south Auckland are grappling with two child homicides where families are refusing to co-operate. The cases have sparked renewed calls for a law change that would allow police to prosecute those who choose not to talk to them. But some legal experts say binning the right to silence would destroy a fundamental pillar of the justice system. Blair Ensor and Edward Gay report.
Above a mantelpiece in Anthony Pickering’s home is a shrine to his dead 10-month-old son, Poseidyn.
There’s a photograph of the baby boy crowned with a halo.
Also on display are tiny hand and footprint impressions, framed booties, and a Tongan flag flanked by soft toys.
While the collection of memories speak volumes of a father’s love for his son, south Auckland police are growing frustrated at the silence of some of Poseidyn’s family members.
The child, who lived at a home in William Ave, Manurewa, suffered non-accidental head injuries and died on September 6.
Police launched a homicide investigation, but are yet to make any arrests.
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300115275/right-to-silence-should-people-be-forced-to-speak-to-police-when-a-child-is-killed
