TOMASEVIC CASE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 695, 22 November 1933, Page 2

TOMASEVIC CASE

TOMAS1E.VIC DEFENCE

(To the Editorj iSir, — Jit has always'been the proud boast of New Zealanders that' bui's is the freest and most, democratic country in the world. Certain reeen't actions of those in authority are definitely in, defiance of that great tradition. In'particular we feel sure that the acti'ori now being taken agaihst a youiig worlcer, Thomasevic, will, when fully understood, be condemned by the vast majority of our people. The Minister of Internal Affairs is at present 'endeavouring to revoke this raan's certificate of naturalisation (taken out in 1926) j th'e subsequent intention is surely 'to deport him to Jugo-Slavia, where he will be exposed to the horrors of a rabid fascist white Terror. The following points sbould be borne in mind: — (1). All wbo know -Tomasevic vouch for it that he is an excellent worker and a man of sterling quality. "He fought in the armies of the allied Powers during the war. He^has been in bfew Zealahd fior ten years and has been naturalised for seven years. He has a' New Zealaiid-born " wife a:nd young- daughter, who will he left penniless if the Minister carries out .these intentions. (2) He is iguilty of no crinue, it is not even suggested that he is guilty of any crime. The only evidence brought by the Assistant Crown Proseciitor at the enquiry was to prove that Tomasevic had once been connected' with radical activities — all of a perfectly leg,al nature. 3. The long and short of it is that simply for holding radical opinions, an honourable man may be torn from his young family, deported from his adopted land, and sent to face imprisonment, torture and even death. W!e feel absolutely certain thai, given a proper understanding, the vast majority of the community will emiphatic.ally repudiate the State proceedings. All imfoued with a love of liberty and justice will take a firm stand against this act of injustice, which ig all the more dangerous in that it would set a precedent for even worse measures of reaction. Steps h'ave already been taken to bring the full facts of the case prominently before the public. In Auckland, as the result of popular indignation, meetings have already been held and a strong committee set up. Reports from other centres indicate that similar proceedings are in train all over the Dominion. Wje therefore ask, those who value freedom to make them selves acquainted with th'e full facts of the case; and to aid us in our task of securing for this man his full measure of justice.

COMMITTEE.