Anti-war protestors move to police station

A Global Peace & Justice Auckland protestor is arrested today outside the Auckland District Court. Picture / Brett Phibbs

A demonstration which led to the arrest of five people at Auckland District Court today has now moved to the city's central police station.

The four women and a man arrested were supporting a man who was charged in connection with anti-Iraq war demonstrations at the weekend.

They have been bailed to reappear on Wednesday March 23 on charges of trespass.

A group of around 15 protestors has now been outside Auckland Central Police Station since late this morning.

They have been issued with a noise abatement notice by the Auckland City Council, police said.

These notices are enforced by City Council Noise Control officers.

The incidents were sparked by the appearance of Simon Aart Oosterman, 24, a union worker, at the court this morning.

He faces charges of obstructing a footpath and indecent exposure. The first count relates to a demonstration in central Auckland at the weekend marking the second anniversary of the United States-led military action in Iraq.

Mr Oosterman was one of four people arrested on Saturday when protesters targeted the ANZ bank for its involvement in a consortium managing the Trade Bank of Iraq.

He was remanded until April 20 when he appeared in Auckland District Court this morning. The three others arrested on Saturday are due to appear in court tomorrow and Wednesday.

Mr Oosterman appeared in a separate courtroom later this morning on the indecent exposure count, which he was charged with riding naked on a bicycle during a protest last month against society's dependence on the car.

He has pleaded not guilty and a date was set for a defended hearing.

His court appearances today had been preceded by a 20-strong demonstration outside the court with protesters carrying one banner that read "brutality kills democracy" and another banner with an ANZ logo that read "making a killing in Iraq".

About a dozen police officers were also present.

When some of the protesters tried to go into the courtroom for the indecent exposure case against Oosterman, police officers barred their way.

Court manager Kevin Robinson told the group that they could not protest inside the courthouse. "You can protest outside," he told them. "But I'm not prepared to allow you in the court."

Some of the group objected and said they would sit quietly in court.

But when four of them made to enter the courtroom they were arrested.

Police said the police station has remained open to the public and there have not been any changes to the building's security arrangements as a result of the latest protest.

- NZPA, HERALD STAFF