Peace Flotilla to challenge protest ban 28 October
2016
The Peace Flotilla opposing the entry of warships
into Auckland will go ahead despite the government's attempt
to ban protests.
"The Peace Flotilla is an on-water
response in opposition to this huge war celebration. We are
concerned about this glorification of war," said Auckland
Peace Action spokesperson Virginia Lambert.
Minister of
Transport Simon Bridges has today declared a Major Maritime
Event in the Waitematā Harbour that seeks to ban boats and
even swimming in parts of the Harbour.
"John Key's
government does not want to be embarrassed when the US
warship arrives. They are clamping down on peaceful protest
and dissent. We will not be intimidated," said Ms
Lambert.
The government's declaration allows it to deploy
the NZ military against the flotilla.
The founder of the
Peace Squadron, the Reverend Dr. George Armstrong said,
"These draconian provisions could see the present government
make the same serious mistake as Prime Minister Muldoon who
sent the country's armed forces against its own
peace-seeking citizens."
This is a major crackdown on
protests. It even bans swimming in parts of the Harbour
while these warships are
around.
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