6. 90-second Statements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:26 pm on 21 September 2022.

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Photo of Rhys ab Owen Rhys ab Owen Plaid Cymru 3:26, 21 September 2022

I'd like to pay tribute to the late Tony Paris, who sadly passed away last week. Tony was one of the Cardiff Three, who were wrongly convicted of the tragic and violent murder of Lynette White only a few minutes' walk from this Chamber. I remember as a young boy the protests in Cardiff for justice for the Cardiff Three. I also remember the persistent gossip about them. I also remember, as a young barrister, the former police officers, in open court, saying that they were still guilty of murder. And, despite receiving apologies from South Wales Police, that corruption trial against the former police officers fell because of missing evidence, which was later discovered a few days afterwards.

Injustice towards Tony Paris did not finish when he walked out of those prison gates. 

South Wales Police has a poor history when it comes to miscarriages of justice, especially with regard to people from ethnic minorities. This month also marks 70 years of the wrongful hanging of Mahmood Mattan at Cardiff prison. We cannot forget these miscarriages of justice. That's why I support Cassie Parris, the daughter of Tony, who carries on with his fight for justice and who is starting a campaign to name a street in Tony's beloved Butetown after him. Tony Paris championed justice for all; Wales and the world will be a poorer place without him. Diolch yn fawr.