CORUSCANT (INB) - Concern has mounted amongst family law advocates after the startling and cold use of a custody dispute as a propaganda tool in the galactic civil war. Appearing before the galaxy in what critics are pointing out is a staged and ‘deceitful plea’, New Republic Senator Ghon Webb was seen to be lamenting to the camera about what he would tell his daughter about her mother’s defection to the Galactic Empire. A statement from Kara DuMonte this morning revealed that she had in fact left New Republic territory with her young daughter, and that Senator Webb has made no attempt to contact his daughter in the months since their separation.

Mira, whose image is being withheld for privacy and safety reasons, appeared content by her mother’s side in front of the press as Miss DuMonte addressed the rogue transmission originating from The Resistance territory. "I am appalled and ashamed at the level of depravity The Resistance and New Republic have stooped to here. Taking what is a private custody dispute between Ghon and myself, and then plastering it all over the galactic media is a heartless and craven move. It just goes to show the lengths that these people will go to for their political ambitions and to assassinate the character of anyone that falls out of favour with the oligarchy."

Explaining her peaceful exit from New Republic territory, Captain DuMonte described how she would never have left her daughter with her ex-husband or in New Republic territory. "I didn’t flee desperately in the night from the New Republic. I resigned my commission and my senate seat, and left [Republic] territory in my own ship with Mira. I certainly would not have left her with her egomaniacal father, and after that desperate attempt to make me look like a terrible mother the galaxy can see why. He only cares about himself and his career with his beloved Republic, and that’s what this is really all about. He doesn't really care about our daughter which he hasn’t even attempted to talk to in months; just himself and his own ambitions of political power."

As the galaxy’s heart went out to the video of what appeared to be a grieving and desperate father, the Centre for Equity in Family Law (CEFL) has launched an official complaint with the Galactic Alliance for the blatant exploitation of a child custody battle for political purposes. A spokeswoman for the CEFL expressed deep concern at a father using his daughter as a political pawn to try and embarrass and attack his ex-wife in front of the entire galaxy. "Just think of the kind of harm and distress to the poor girl that this kind behaviour causes. This cheap act was a cold and calculated move and will cause the daughter immeasurable distress and embarrassment for many years. I know politicians can be depraved, but Senator Webb should be truly ashamed of himself for such a vitriolic act."