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The
Christchurch Civic Creche Case |
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Martin van Beynen wrote
an article in The Press of June 25 2005, in which he acknowledged the role
that he played - unwittingly - in having an influence on the satanic panic in
Christchurch at the time of Ellis' arrest.
His actions at that time were understandable. He was given stories
that if true should have been publicised. The credibility of those stories
was backed up a senior police officer, Laurie Gabites. Martin van Beynen was no more duped into
believing the absurd than were a significant proportion of the population. But readers should be
aware that there are very few people like Martin van Beynen, who had a role
(even if small) in the satanic panic who have (a) since realised the role
they did have and just as importantly, (b) acknowledged that responsibility. To be mistaken is
human. To acknowledge such mistakes openly is what makes Martin van Beynen a
remarkable man. This site wishes to
stress and acknowledge the high standard and integrity of all of Martin van
Beynen's reporting during the time of the Christchurch Crèche controversy,
including the early reporting of information that this site strongly
disagrees with and that Martin has since acknowledged as mistaken. |
