Four pro-Palestine protestors arrested in Lyttelton
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Four pro-Palestine protestors have been in arrested in Lyttelton after reportedly impeding traffic.
60 people took part in the protest at Lyttelton Port on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said four people were arrested at 1pm after blocking traffic.
Palestine Solidarity Network Secretary Neil Scott is calling on Police to independently investigate what led to their officers responding “aggressively towards protestors today.”
“It is disgusting that the New Zealand Police would not understand that these peaceful protests are to support the many Palestinian New Zealanders who have lost many family members since this genocide began” Scott said.
“Today at a snap action in Lyttleton the police arrested 7 people and pepper sprayed many, including senior citizens participating peacefully in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
“PSNA is repulsed by the New Zealand Police response towards civilians who are calling for an end to a genocide, and asking the New Zealand government to take a stance against Israel, and their abhorrent breaches of all legal-frameworks.”
A police spokesperson the protesters were reportedly impeding traffic.
The group allegedly blocked the tunnel and were pouring a liquid substance on the road," the spokesperson said.
"Charges are being considered and the four will be processed in due course."
Acting Superintendent Craig McKay said “police respect the lawful right to protest but we draw a line when the safety of those involved, the public and our staff are put at risk and thoroughfares are obstructed.
“A handful of people failed to comply with Police requests to move and following a number of warnings, staff utilised tactical options available to us.
“For men, aged 39, 57, 37 and 70 were taken into custody and have been charged with obstructing a public place, resisting police and assaulting police.
The 39-year-old is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on Friday 9 February and the remaining three are due to appear on Monday 12.”
