Changes

On 10th July, 1985 the ''Rainbow Warrior'', flagship of Greenpeace, was destroyed in an [[Auckland]] harbour by high explosive devices that resulted in the death of Fernado Pereira, a crew member and photographer.  An investigation into the bombing resulted in the arrest, trial and conviction of Major Alain Mafart and Captain Dominique Prieur of the [[French Armed Forces]].  After initial denials by the [[France|French]] President [[François Mitterrand]], the French Prime Minister [[Laurent Fabius]] admitted that the [[French Secret Service]] ordered the attack in order to deny Greenpeace access to French territorial waters.<ref name="NZPol">http://www.police.govt.nz/operation/wharf/</ref>

On 10th July, 1985 the ''Rainbow Warrior'', flagship of Greenpeace, was destroyed in an [[Auckland]] harbour by high explosive devices that resulted in the death of Fernado Pereira, a crew member and photographer.  An investigation into the bombing resulted in the arrest, trial and conviction of Major Alain Mafart and Captain Dominique Prieur of the [[French Armed Forces]].  After initial denials by the [[France|French]] President [[François Mitterrand]], the French Prime Minister [[Laurent Fabius]] admitted that the [[French Secret Service]] ordered the attack in order to deny Greenpeace access to French territorial waters.<ref name="NZPol">http://www.police.govt.nz/operation/wharf/</ref>

Mafart and Prieur pleaded guilty to [[arson]] and [[manslaughter]] and were sentenced to ten years on the manslaughter charge and seven years on the arson charge.<ref name="NZPol" />

Mafart and Prieur pleaded guilty to [[arson]] and [[manslaughter]] and were sentenced to ten years on the manslaughter charge and seven years on the arson charge.<ref name="NZPol" />

However, in an agreement between the French and New Zealand governments brokered by United Nations Secretary General, Mr Xavier Perez de Cuellar, the French government, while not apologizing, paid compensation to Greenpeace and the [[New Zealand]] government for this act of state-sponsored terrorism. <ref name="MA">http://www.kauricoast.co.nz/Feature.cfm?WPID=70</ref>

However, in an agreement between the French and New Zealand governments brokered by United Nations Secretary General, Mr Xavier Perez de Cuellar, the French government, while not apologizing, paid compensation to Greenpeace and the [[New Zealand]] government for this act of state-sponsored [[terrorism]]. <ref name="MA">http://www.kauricoast.co.nz/Feature.cfm?WPID=70</ref>

In return Mafart and Prieur were transferred in July 1986 to Hao atoll in [[French Polynesia]] to serve three years.

In return Mafart and Prieur were transferred in July 1986 to Hao atoll in [[French Polynesia]] to serve three years.

However, in December 1987 Mafart was returned to France for treatment of a stomach condition, and in March 1988 was given a new appointment.

However, in December 1987 Mafart was returned to France for treatment of a stomach condition, and in March 1988 was given a new appointment.