After two decades inside, Kathleen Folbigg is set to be pardoned following a decision by the NSW Attorney General Michael Daley to grant her a release from prison ahead of the handing down of the full report from the inquiry into her convictions that has taken place over the last 12 months.
The decision follows mounting community and media pressure and a motion that passed the NSW Upper House last week introduced by Greens MP, solicitor and spokesperson for Justice, Sue Higginson.
A huge moment for justice
‘This is a huge moment for justice in this state,’ said Ms Higginson. ‘Kathleen Folbigg’s friends, supporters and legal team have stood by her and fought for justice for years and years and finally we are seeing justice be delivered. It is with the deepest gratitude that I thank the Attorney General for showing the necessary courage to make this decision.
‘The Attorney General has listened to the community, the Parliament and most importantly the evidence and made a decision that I think we can all agree is the right one.
‘Ms Folbigg should not have been in prison for even a day longer after the inquiry showed there was reasonable doubt about her guilt, but now we are finally seeing the necessary steps being taken to ensure she is released from prison and that is a decision that we welcome.
The power that ongoing campaigning for justice can have
Ms Higginson said this moment demonstrates the power that ongoing campaigning for justice can have. ‘Last week the Attorney General appeared steadfast in his position to delay the release of Ms Folbigg until after the report from the inquiry had been handed down, but we brought the fight for justice to his doorstep and he has responded to the pressure in the only acceptable way and made the decision to release Ms Folbigg.
‘We’ve received confirmation that Ms Folbigg has walked free this morning and that she is in the sunlight, she’s now free from prison.
‘It is a massive relief for all of those who have stood by Ms Folbigg. This decision is in the best interests of Ms Folbigg and the NSW Community.’
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