Press Release

News: Assault of member of public denied by all police officers present, member of public has video showing assault occured

On October 17th, 2006, I was struck in the face by a serving police officer, while peacefully protesting outside Te Papa, against the Weapons Conference being held there.

I have since complained to the police force, and the police have found that "The viewpoint of the officers in question on the day differs significantly to your own, and no further investigation is required."

This letter was signed by Inspector Gregory James Gilpin, and dated May 22nd, while it was posted on June 6th. In the letter I was advised I had two weeks to respond if I felt I had any reason to complain about this. This is worrisome, as two weeks from the time the letter was dated is approximately June 6th, when the letter was posted.

I believe this shows the level to which Police will investigate complaints of a serious nature made against officers.

The inquiry still awaits official PCA analysis and judgment.

As the police have made this finding which I believe is inaccurate, I have submitted evidence to www.youtube.com in order to prove this assault occurred.

I did notify the police of this video evidence however there was no attempt made to collect it.

In the interests of free and transparent viewing of this footage I have uploaded it to youtube at the following url; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzB2lJDO1JU and google video at the following url; http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7850652695877761703 .

I am also bothered at the idea of legislation that limits New Zealander's abilities to use youtube and other video broadcasting websites to show video that may show wrong doing by agents of the New Zealand government.

These agents should be punished if they are found to have broken New Zealand law.

I still hope that the Police Complaints Authority will effectively process my complaint.

I have an appeal coming up on June 19th 2007, with regards to this matter.

My appeal in part hinges on what is and is not reasonable force when used in self defence. I would argue that passive resistance should always be a reasonable level of force as it puts no one at any physical risk of harm.

Contact the author at baboeska @ gmail.com

ENDS

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