Wednesday 29 August 2001 - 11.30 p.m.

Anti-vivisection protestors are outraged at the heavy handed police tactics used against them tonight that have resulted in seven arrests. 50 Police officers surounded a small group of protestors as they approached the Convention Centre in Christchurch tonight at approximately 9.00 pm.

Protest organisers were "picked off" by Police before this evening’s planned public protest even began. The protesters are still detained, some 2 and a half hours later.

Four women and three men have so far been arrested and they range from teenagers through to women in their 30's. The Police allege that they are still "looking for more protesters".

The charges being laid against those arrested by Police are "Riotous Behaviour". The Police maintain that they relate to an incident that occurred some 8 hours earlier in the day.

Perhaps the overall effectiveness of the protest action in Christchurch against vivsectors is taking its toll on authorities and conference organisers, who may be subjecting the Police to increased pressure to react to the protestors. The select nature of the arrests would indicate this.

Mark Eden 021 158 6554

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