French couple give names

Press, 31 August 1985, Page 2

French couple give names

PA Auckland A couple held on charges concerning the fatal bombing of the Rainbow Warrior were identified under what their counsel said were their correct names when they appeared in court yesterday. The man, previously known as Alain Turenge, was identified as Alain Mafart, aged 34, a major in the French Army. The woman, previously Sophie Turenge, was identified as Dominique Prieur, aged 36, a captain. The pair were remanded in custody to November 4 for a preliminary hearing when they appeared in the District Court at Auckland yesterday before Judge Hole.

They are charged with the murder of Fernando Pereira, who was killed when an explosive device ripped the side out of the Greenpeace vessel on July 10, and. with passport irregularities. Counsel for Mafart and Prieur, Mr Gerrard Curry, told the Court he had been advised this week of their correct names.

“They came to New Zealand under orders, but those orders were not directed at the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior,” said Mr Curry. Continuing news media speculation “from the highest authorities of the land, from journalistic sources, overseas sources and local sources” could reduce the right of his clients to a fair trial, counsel said. Mafart and Prieur had previously refused a custody remand and were appearing in court every eight days. Mr Curry said that as their identities had been established, this was no longer necessary.

The pair are still charged under the names of Sophie and Alain Turenge. A police spokesman said outside the court that the charges would not be altered until documents giving their real names arrived from Paris.