Eagle River -- Today, Governor Tony Knowles vetoed a bill establishing an Office of Victims' Rights and a Victims' Advocate, acting against a unanimous vote by the Legislature this session. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak) would have provided experienced professionals to be allies for victims in our courts. Following is Senator Halford's statement.

"The Victims' rights guaranteed in Alaska's Constitution are not self-enforcing. They are, in fact, routinely violated in Alaska's criminal justice system. The perpetrator is represented by one or more attorneys and any necessary technical experts, often at state expense. The prosecutors are also attorneys and their experts represent the state's overall interest, which is not always the individual victim's interest.

The victim, traumatized by rape, assault, robbery or other violent crime is not personally represented in this very technical arena. Anyone who has been a victim of violent crime knows the value of accurate, timely information and advocacy. Without it, victims' rights will continue to be routinely ignored.

I had heard that the Governor's office was working on the victims' advocacy bureaucracy to generate opposition in an effort to justify a veto, but I am shocked that he vetoed something so needed which passed the Legislature unanimously.

Victims, further victimized by the criminal justice system, would have had professional help but for Governor Knowles' veto pen."

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement

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