Press Release for immediate release:

12 peace protestors arrested for "clowning around" at arms dealer's home.

12 anti-war protestors dressed as clowns from the Clown Army were arrested today, 15 October 2006, for clowning around outside Neal Garnett's place, the chairman of the New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) and organiser of the annual Defence Industry weapons conference convening at Te Papa Tongarewa this coming Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Clown Army turned up for a home demo at Neal Garnett's home in Brooklyn (Wellington) at about 2:30pm today Sunday Oct 15th with drums, banners and loud chanting. On their departure the clowns were stopped by 4 police cars, and held until a paddy wagon arrived. All were taken down to the police station and are still in the process of being released on bail (as at 7pm). Charges so far for three released are for "unlawfully being on a property."

This is just one of the ever increasing signs of injustice in Aotearoa and the world, where a man who organises the showcasing and sale of arms and associated weapons equipment to blast to smitherens innocent people in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and elsewhere, is protected while non-violent protestors are arrested, harrassed and detained unjustifiably.

Mass demonstrations bringing protestors from across the country and several international peace campaigners, begin Tuesday outside Te Papa Tongarewa.

For more info on upcoming protests and events to STOP THE WEAPONS CONFERENCE! this week, see www.peacewellington.tk and http://indymedia.org.nz/newswire/display/71767/index.php

ENDS

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