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Weapons conference arrests disgraceful
Weapons conference arrests disgraceful and unlawful
Peace Action Wellington May 11, 2006
Peace activists achieved a great victory in Wellington District Court today as the last remaining charge of those against the 20 people arrested at last year’s protest against the weapons conference at Te Papa was dismissed.
The charge of trespass against Peace Action member Nick Henry was dismissed following an application by police to offer no evidence.
“This is a vindication of our position that the Trespass Act can not be used to prevent protest in a public place” said Nick Henry
“None of the 20 people arrested were convicted of any charge. The arrests were simply a means for Te Papa management to remove people who were lawfully voicing opposition to the Defence Industry Association annual conference.”
“The hosting of a weapons conference at Our Place is offensive to many New Zealanders. The National Museum should not be the marketplace for companies like Lockheed Martin to sell missiles.”
“Members of the Defence Industry Association claimed that no weapons would be on display yet an army tank and helicopter were showcased at the museum during the conference.”
Peace Action Wellington has an on-going campaign to stop the annual conference which is again scheduled to happen at Te Papa in October.
ENDS
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