"Unnecessary Death" says Coroners Court

Judge Tony Zorab's actions have led to an “Unnecessary Death” after he sentenced Stephen Cleary to jail for his medicinal use of cannabis. Cleary died shortly after being taken into custody. His pre-existing medical condition was aggravated by the fact he was denied warm clothes given to him by his family and was also denied any exercise before or after being cooped up in a van from Nelson to Christchurch.

Judges like Zorab, who have have prosecuted medicinal cannabis users for decades may face repercussions for their actions. Under the proposal for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, called for by the ALCP, anyone responsible for enforcing cannabis prohibition will face hard questions including possible prosecution under the Human Rights Act.

ALCP accuse the NZ judiciary of a whitewash over the Coronary inquest into Cleary's death. The Party is calling on Justice Minister Simon Power to review the case and provide some closure for Cleary's grieving family. The War on Drugs has claimed yet another unnecessary victim. This would never have happened if medical cannabis use was legalised.

Judges such as Zorab should take into consideration the health condition of defendants, especially medical marijuana users, before sending them to jail. A high price has been paid by an 'Unnecessary Death" as the coroner has found in the case of Stephen Cleary. ALCP say Cannabis Prohibition is the major cause of this innocent death.