Free Watson march heads for Picton
A group dedicated to freeing Scott Watson have started a series of protest marches from Christchurch to Picton.
Twelve of Watson’s most loyal supporters gathered outside the Christchurch District Court on Friday morning, before marching to Kaiapoi.
The group said Watson was wrongfully imprisoned for the murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope on New Years Eve 1997.
No bodies have been found and there has long been speculation that another ship seen in the area could have been connected to the case.
Watson’s sister, Sandy, said the case against her brother was ‘‘based on lies’’.
‘‘The police were lazy and they lied to people telling them they weren’t interested in the ketch even though all these people had sighted it.
‘‘To have someone wrongfully convicted and in jail and everyone just sits back and does nothing and these people are allowed to get away with, the police and the prosecution are allowed to get away with all their lies and misleading people.’’
Sandy Watson told the group her brother appreciated their support.
‘‘Scott is very happy that so many people have come to the realisation that this case is based on lies. Everyone was lied to, all over the country.’’
Miranda Clare, who is in regular contact with Scott Watson, said he was in ‘‘good spirits’’.
‘‘I think he’s handled it pretty well considering.’’ On Saturday, the group planned to drive to Kaikoura, stopping in Amberley and Cheviot to march through the towns, and would then protest through the centre of Kaikoura.
Protesters would follow a similar pattern on Sunday, driving to Blenheim then Picton, protesting through the centres of both.
The walk was designed to be easy, with support vans travelling with the group to pick up anyone who needed a break from walking.
They would carrying signs, have flyers available and talk to people in the towns they passed about the case.
A police spokesperson said earlier they were aware of the planned march and respected people’s right to lawful protest.
Police would ‘‘respond appropriately’’ to any issues regarding disorder or public safety.