Hundreds Join Anti-terrorist March In Whanganui-Tara

A quick report on today's Defend Civil Rights protest in Wellington.

More than four hundred people braved freezing wind, rain and hail today to protest against the erosion of civil liberties by Terrorism Suppression laws. The demonstration started at midday in Lambton Quay's Midland Park, in the heart of the Wellington CBD and marched to Civic Square. On the way it passed by the Central Police Station, where a trio of colourful characters lampooned the police standing outside.

In Civic Square speakers condemned the heavy-handed actions of the police in their treatment of the Urewera 17 arrestees and others harassed and terrorized around the country in the dawn raids of Monday 15, and in the days since. They demanded that all charges should be dropped unless the police could produce convincing evidence of criminal activity, and that the 17 be given bail unless the police could publicly demonstrate they are a risk to the public. They demanded the repeal of the Terrorism Suppression Act, as opposed to the ammendment currently before parliament. They called on all kiwis to ask hard questions of the police, courts and government and defends our democratic rights of dissent, of nonviolent protest and of political organization independent of government.

Speakers were interspersed with musicians including socialist ukelele strummer Don Franks; a skiffle duo, "Momma don't like freedom of speech around here"; and a Newtown dancehall reggae band, "When it comes to police raids, we got a chip on our shoulder". Slogans were chalked on the ground including, "State terrorists raided my community" and "Tino Rangatiratanga, I love my people".

Gradually the weather took its toll on the numbers, but Food Not Bombs saved the day with hot rice, dahl, salad, hummus and avacados.