"Nauru 19' trial labelled 'extraordinary breach' of rights - NZ Law Society

The trial of 15 people without legal representation in Nauru's Supreme Court has been called an "extraordinary breach" of individual rights and the rule of law.

The New Zealand Law Society's Rule of Law Committee says the trial of the group of anti-government protesters, dubbed the 'Nauru 19', is bordering on a sham.

The committee convener, Austin Forbes QC, says the criminal charges against the group has been a "blight on justice" in the Pacific for the last four years.

He says it is almost unbelievable that such events are occurring in 2019, with 15 people facing serious offences but unable to get legal representation.

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T-shirts worn by family and supporters of the 19 Nauruans who were prosecuted by government for staging a protest outside of parliament in 2015. Photo: Nauru 19/ Facebook