Peace group makes second complaint about police action

The dispute with police began during an anti-war demo in Auckland at the weekend. Picture / Nigel Marple

Anti- Iraq war protestors have lodged a second complaint with the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) after a courthouse confrontation yesterday.

Four women and a man were arrested for trespass when they failed to leave the Auckland District Court building after being told to by court manager Kevin Robinson.

He had told them that he didn't want them protesting in the building.

The five had earlier been part of a 20-strong demonstration outside the courthouse in support of union worker Simon Oosterman, 24.

Oosterman was one of four people arrested at the Global Peace and Justice Auckland (GPJA) rally in the central city at the weekend. He was charged with obstructing a footpath.

When some of his supporters tried to enter the courtroom in which he was appearing, police barred the way. When they did not leave the building, they were arrested.

The peace group, which had asked the PCA to investigate police behaviour during the Saturday rally, described the police action at the courthouse as "appalling".

In a letter to the authority, GPJA committee member John Minto said the court foyer was a public place and those arrested had been acting in a "perfectly reasonable manner".

"The action of the police was unreasonable, boorish, vindictive and clearly to us unlawful," he said.

The five are due to appear in court tomorrow.

Auckland City police communications manager Noreen Hegarty said Mr Robinson had asked them to leave the building three times, before police help was requested.

After the five were taken to Auckland Central police station, about 15 protesters demonstrated outside the station, and were issued with a noise abatement notice by Auckland City Council.

Oosterman was remanded to reappear next month. The three others arrested on Saturday are due to appear in court today and tomorrow.

- NZPA