PILLAR is calling for an immediate review of Police conduct following the arrest of a silent auditor, known online as @AucklandCitizen, during the rally in support of puberty blockers at Meyers Park on Sunday the 7th of December.

Footage obtained by PILLAR shows activists surrounding the auditor for more than forty minutes as he attempted to film the event. He does not speak, does not engage, and repeatedly tries to move away. Activists block his view, push into his space, cut off his movement, and follow him step for step. All of this takes place while Police look on.

Despite the clear video evidence, officers warn him, accuse him of pushing others, and eventually tackle and arrest him for supposedly breaching the peace. His camera is knocked to the ground in the process. The individuals who obstructed and harassed him face no visible consequences.

PILLAR Executive Director Nathan Seiuli says the footage reveals a serious failure in how the Police are carrying out their duty.

“Watching this footage, it is impossible not to be appalled,” Seiuli says. “A man is harassed for forty minutes while Police stand right there. Instead of protecting him, they arrest him. That is not policing. That is abandonment of responsibility.”

Seiuli says the arrest sends a dangerous message about the state of civil liberties in New Zealand.

“If filming in public can get you tackled and handcuffed while those who mob you walk away untouched, we have a real problem,” he says. “This is not about one officer having a bad day. This looks like a pattern in how certain events are being policed.”

The man is set to appear before a judge on Friday, the 12th of December. “Justice can be remarkably swift depending on whose version of justice is being enforced” Says Seiuli

PILLAR will provide support as he faces the court process.

“No one should be left to fight the system alone when they have done nothing unlawful,” Seiuli says. “PILLAR stands with him, and we will not step back from confronting this kind of injustice.”

© Scoop Media