Minto defends Israeli tennis protest

John Minto. File photo / The Aucklander

Veteran protester John Minto was in court today to defend charges relating to the protest against the presence of an Israeli tennis player at the ASB Classic tournament in Auckland in January.

Minto, 59, and seven others were arrested on charges of disorderly behaviour and obstructing police when they staged a protest against Israeli player Shahar Peer.

Constable Derek McClean told Auckland District Court he was ordered by a senior officer to arrest Minto for breaching the peace, as he was producing an "unacceptable" level of noise and had already been warned that he would be arrested if he did not quieten down.

Minto gained an international reputation when he led a nationwide campaign to stop the Springbok rugby team touring New Zealand in 1981.

He is expected to give evidence later this afternoon.

- NZPA