Anti-war protesters arrested at lawful demonstration

"The New Zealand flag stands for imperialism and it was burnt again to oppose the New Zealand involvement in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq" said Paul Hopkinson of the Anti-Capitalist Alliance.

Paul Hopkinson and three others were arrested for burning the New Zealand flag. Two also being from the Anti-Capitalist Alliance, the other a class-war Anarchist. All are members of Peace Action Wellington.

Paul's previous charge for flag burning was overturned by the High Court stating that he was entitled to express himself.

The positions of both National and Labour are disgusting. The previous charge was signed off by the Attorney-General Margaret Wilson and the Labour government no doubt requested the Police to harass anti-war activists, while themselves trying to appear anti-war and standing up for civil liberties and free speech while actually doing the opposite. National thinks that it should not be burned because it offends people, while the only reason National has been mentioned in the media this year is because they have offended people with their criticisms.

Paul also stated that the Police have made well over 50 arrests with only a handful of charges actually sticking. He said he is looking at making a complaint and taking a civil suit against them.

ENDS

Anti-Capitalist Alliance

Ph) 027 0491 8749 or 021 125 0819

www.anticapitalists.tk

Peace Action Wellington

peacewellington@hotmail.com

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