Seventeen inmates charged with causing major damage at Waikeria Prison last month have all pleaded not guilty.
Waikeria Prison. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
The men, who are jointly charged with rioting, burglary using a weapon, and wilfully setting fire to property and endangering life, appeared in the Hamilton District Court today.
A major building at the King Country prison, known as the Top Jail was destroyed by fire after inmates took to the roof and held up the facility for six days.
Sixteen of the men appeared via video link, while one, who required significant security around him, appeared in person.
A small group of supporters made a brief appearance in public gallery to support the man who appeared in person.
Most of the men were granted interim name suppression. The ones that can be named are: Peter Te Hau, Taimana Soames and Ian Larkins.
All elected trial by Jury and were remanded in custody until early May.
