Dean Wickliffe Pictures released by Spring Hill corrections.
Photo: Provided
Hunger prisoner Dean Wickliffe will be released from prison after appearing before the Conditionary Freedom Council on Wednesday.
The 77-year-old man was taken to the hospital on Monday after refusing food since March 10, claiming that he was beaten by several guards at Spring Hill Corrections installation.
He was taken to prison for breaking his conditional freedom conditions because he was living in his car and not in an approved speech.
He appeared before New Zealand’s Conditionary Board of Liberty today after his recall hearing date was advanced from April 3 after requests from his lawyers.
Lawyer Sam Vincent confirmed to RNZ that Wickliffe received parole and his hunger strike was now ended after 16 days.
He said the 77 -year -old man remained in the hospital, as food reintroduction would be a slow process to be done with medical supervision.
“He has lost a very large amount of weight,” said Vincent. “He’s still talking, he still has energy, he’s really impressive. But I would say his skills will be limited as he recovers, but I’m sure yes.”
He said the decision came as a great relief.
“We are really happy to see the conditional freedom counsel agree with us that it must be released. We hope that he can now live the rest of his life in peace.”
He could not confirm which address Wickliffe would be released when he would leave the hospital, or if it was the same as that previously listed in his conditional freedom.
It must be released on Wednesday.
Vincent said RNZ Wickliffe’s immediate release was “what we really needed.”
“We are relieved by this. It does not represent a threat to the community and has good support around it.”
The board considered Wickliffe’s accommodation and support proposal “properly addressed the risk” and a complete written decision would be available within 10 days.
Deputy Green Steve Abel saw the audience at Wickliffe’s request and told RNZ that his release was “very good news.”
“It’s justice done for my opinion. He should never have gone to prison in the first place in this case.”
Abel said Wickliffe was “stoic” when the trial to liberate it was done.
“Throughout his time in prison, he defended better arrest conditions within the justice system and, in this last instance, did it again.
“This is something he feels passionately, that there needs to be a basic tenant of humanity the way prisoners are treated even while in imprisonment – he is a strong defender of this.”
Wickliffe lawyers claim that the 77 -year -old’s head was beaten on a concrete floor after he refused to enter his cell and be double.
They are asking for public release of incident -related filming.
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