Prison transfer shocks Prieur

Press, 11 September 1985, Page 1

Prison transfer shocks Prieur

By

BRAD TATTERSFIELD

The French Army captain, Dominique Prieur, was “shocked” by the Justice Department decision to transfer her from Mount Eden Prison in Auckland to Christchurch Women’s Prison, according to her lawyer, Mr Gerard Curry. Mr Curry said that neither he nor Captain Prieur, who is being held on charges connected with the Rainbow Warrior bombing, had been consulted about the move. “I would have thought that consultation with me would-have been appropriate before the move occurred,” he said. A woman lawyer from Mr Curry’s office visited Captain Prieur last Friday, after she had been flown from Auckland on Thursday under prison guard. Mr Curry plans to visit Captain Prieur himself later this week, and he will discuss questions of comfort and ease of access to legal advice with her. Mr Curry said he would take legal action to have her transferred back to a prison in Auckland if he was not satisfied that proper arrangements had been made regarding legal access. “If my doubts are removed, I would not expect her to be moved from Christchurch. If my doubts are confirmed, I would take legal moves to have her transferred.”

Captain Prieur was remanded in custody in Auckland after appearing in court with her countryman, Major Alain Mafart, on August 30. The pair are due to reappear for a preliminary hearing in Auckland on November 4. Mr Curry would not comment on Captain Prieur’s state of mind, although he said she “entertained continuing concern” about being transferred to Christchurch. Justice Department officials said that reasons of comfort and security were behind the transfer. Mr Curry said the department was “overreacting” to newspaper reports that mercenaries hired by the French Intelligence agency, D.G.S.E., might be used to free the pair. Mr Curry said he had had open communication with

the prison authorities, and Captain Prieur had gained • increased access to educational publications since being moved to Christchurch. “They have taken some measures that are entirely appropriate and directed to her comfort. I want to be assured they are sufficient.” Mr Curry alleged that news media interest in the Rainbow Warrior case had diminished the pair’s chances of getting a fair trial. “They have no family or friends in New Zealand. I am the only one who can make statements on their behalf.” Mr Curry would not say how he was engaged to defend the couple. Captain Prieur has specifically asked that the news media not be allowed to speak to her.