The British High Commission in Wellington dismisses the plea of traditional behavior as an anthropological smokescreen.
"During the course of the investigation, the police discovered a number of serious offences of a sexual nature. They had no option but to prosecute. These crimes were not boasted about on the island, but were kept hidden. For many of the victims, it has had a huge psychological impact," a spokesman said.
One fact is undisputed: if the defense fails to keep the men from being jailed, economic doom awaits. These men are the only ones young and fit enough to row the long boats out to meet passing cruise ships and sell the islanders' carvings and stamps -- their main source of income.
Chris Harder, an Auckland lawyer, said: "If Pitcairn is to survive, the men found guilty need to be allowed to apologize to complain-ants, even pay compensation, but perhaps not be put in jail. If not, it could destroy the island."
RSS