Raising for Eliana's legal and personal security expenses

on 4 May 2023

Sam asks

Hello, I'm just wanting to know a few things before I donate. In what form is Eli receiving death threats? If online, all threats should be compiled together and sent to police, even publicly shared to expose far right extremism.

Given the nature of the charges laid on Eli does it not put the wrong message out to people that it's ok to assault someone as people will donate to support your defense?

This question has not been answered yet.

on 3 Apr 2023

Sean asks

Hi Paul,

You have stated that Eliana Rubashkyn has received death threats. Have these been reported to the New Zealand Police?

Thanks,

Sean

Paul

Hi Sean,

I can confirm that Eliana has received numerous death threats and other threats to her personal safety. Whether or not she has reported them to the police, netsafe, the NZSIS or any other agency is not information that I will be making public at this time - and it's not material to this fundraiser whether she has reported them - that's her private business as a citizen. Thanks.

on 3 Apr 2023

Sean asks

Hi Paul,

Eliana Rubashkyn confirmed that she did not leave the country on social media. This Givealittle page states that she is overseas. Could you please explain?

You are requesting funds to help pay legal bills however Eliana has not yet gone to court. Eliana also publicly stated that she had over 40 offers of legal help. Why are you asking for donations if help has already been offered?

Could you please tell me how much the security costs are?

Why has Eliana stated on social media she needs to raise money for her mother's security in Columbia? How is her mother in danger?

What is the exact charge that Eliana Rubashkyn has been charged with?

Kind regards,

Sean

Paul

Hi Sean. Thank you for your questions. Here are my responses (1) Yes, Eli received offers of legal representation. As is her right under NZ law she is entitled to pick whomever she thinks will give her the best representation. People have been giving generously to her fundraiser for legal expenses knowing that. (2) I will not be providing public estimates of the security costs at this time - it would give away the security measures being put in place and be extremely counterproductive. (3) Eli runs her own social media - it may be expedient for her at times to not give away her exact location due to the serious security threats she is receiving. I am now too under such threats - especially from the far right. (4) At the time to the best of my knowledge Eli was in Australia. (5) Eli is currently liaising with Police. I have no obligation to update you on that front. Her legal strategies are for her to decide. Thanks.

on 31 Mar 2023

Michelle asks

Hi there. It's my understanding there have been death threats from kiwis to Eli, hence why she is not coming home straight away. It's my understanding she wants to return to New Zealand but the death threats mean she is bidding her time. Is this correct? Thanks.

Paul

Hi there Michelle. Yes, your understanding is correct - Eli has received numerous, credible threats from kiwis since the protest. I need to answer honestly. I just offered to set up a fundraiser to help Eli with her costs. I am in touch with her regularly but don't have clarity on her travel plans. She is however, not 'on the run' as people are suggesting. She has engaged with a lawyer here in NZ and is already incurring legal costs. As she has said in the media she intends to return. I hope this answers your question.

on 31 Mar 2023

Barbara asks

I want to donate but are the security needs over now that Eli is out of the country? Aren’t they safe from the police now?

Paul

Hi Barbara, Eli intends to return to the country. I don't have clarity on the timeframe - Eli is her own free agent. She has had/is continuing to receive a high number of credible threats to her personal safety, including death threats. The money being raised will go towards her personal safety when she returns. As you are aware the far right in NZ has a considerable presence. We are genuinely concerned for Eli's safety. If you have any more questions please reach out here or to me on twitter. Thanks, Paul

on 30 Mar 2023

Kiwi asks

Hi.

I am interested in supporting Eli.

Before I do can you please clarify - this page states that the funds are for legal and security expenses for when Eli returns to NZ, which Eli intends to do "soon".

Eli is now posting on social media that they have no intentions of returning soon, and will stay away a long time.

What will be the actual use of these funds? If Eli still needs them this is fine, but it would be nice to know the purpose rather than blindly giving. Thanks.

Paul

Hi Kiwi G. I can confirm that Eli will be back in NZ within the next 5 days. I can't give an exact return date due to security requirements. She is receiving constant death threats from the far right. Eli intends to face justice in NZ. Your donations will ensure she has excellent legal representation and security upon her return. Thank you for asking the question. You can also reach out to me on twitter with any more questions. Paul.