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Fundraiser set up for Scott Watson

Wednesday 9 December 2015, 1:29PM

By Gemma Claire

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Scott Watson
Scott Watson Credit: John Kirk-Anderson


Facebook group Free Scott Watson - HE IS INNOCENT has launched a fundraising campaign to support Scott Watson and his family in their ongoing legal battle https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/scottfree/ 

 

So far, nearly $1500 has been raised. The target is $5000. 


On New Year's Day 1998, Ben Smart and Olivia Hope disappeared from a party at Furneaux Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds. Over the ensuing months, Police focused their enquiries on Watson. In 1999, he was found guilty of the young pair's murders, and remains imprisoned. 


Watson recently spoke out for the first time in an interview with North & South writer Mike White. Watson maintains his innocence, saying, "I don't know where Ben and Olivia are. I've never seen them. They never came on my boat and I definitely didn't murder them." 


Many New Zealanders have expressed concerns about Watson's ongoing imprisonment. Donors to the campaign commented, "It is a travesty that this man is in prison for a crime he did not commit. He deserves justice", "I hope truth can override corruption", and, "I have always believed he is innocent and continue to admire those who press for justice." 

 

High profile journalists, including Paul Henry, Mike White, David Fisher, Keith Hunter and Ian Wishart, have raised serious doubts about the validity of Watson's convictions. 


Members of Free Scott Watson - HE IS INNOCENT hope that the funds raised will be useful for Watson and his family as he takes his next legal step, which will likely be another appeal to the Governor General for the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy.