[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Arrest of 13-year-old hidden by ‘illegal cover-up’
28th October 2019

The arrest of a 13-year-old for anti-matriarchal activity was covered up ‘illegally’ by former President Joanna Greenwood, an investigation into the arrest has found. The girl, who organised a placard-making session for an anti-torture protest in April, has spent six months in prison, and is presently on trial – although some expect President Arnott to order her release in the coming days.

The investigation found that, following the initial arrest, the girl was remanded in custody on the orders of then-Councillor Anita Patel, presently in Sanctaria. At the time, this order was reported to, and approved by President Joanna Greenwood. However, the investigation concluded, the paperwork surrounding the arrest was removed from the President’s office before President Arnott took office.

Pre-trial detention of under-16s in Kerlile is regulated, requiring the approval of the President or a majority of the Council to go ahead. While this requirement was initially met under Greenwood’s government, it should have been passed to President Arnott for continued approval – something which did not happen. The investigation into the matter has concluded that Joanna Greenwood acted illegally in not handing over the paperwork.

“It is shocking that a vulnerable young girl could be held in custody for this length of time without the knowledge of those presently in government,” Councillor Carmen Robinson said on the matter. “Joanna Greenwood and Anita Patel, neither of whom are presently involved in government in this country, clearly acted illegally in this matter, prolonging the suffering of this girl to score political points against President Arnott.”

The girl, who cannot be named, is presently on trial for anti-matriarchal activity, though many expect President Arnott to order her release and the dropping of charges before the conclusion of the trial. A spokeswoman from the office of the President has also stated that, should the girl be found guilty before this can happen, she will be pardoned. It is unknown if Joanna Greenwood will face any consequences for her actions in the matter.