[R-G] Protestors gather against Maori arrests

[Anthony Fenton]

Protestors gather against Maori arrests

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Protestors-gather-against- 
Maori-arrests/2007/10/16/1192300738026.html

A small group of protesters gathered outside the New Zealand  
consulate in Melbourne on Tuesday to oppose the arrests of Maori  
activists in anti-terrorism raids on Monday.

The protest was led by Sina Brown-Davis, who called herself a  
Polynesian anti-globalisation activist, and said the New Zealand  
government should be ashamed.

"This is a full-on criminalisation of dissent and a deplorable and  
disgusting attack on peace activists," she said outside the building  
in Melbourne's city centre.

"The activists have a heart-felt concern for social justice, but the  
government uses it as an excuse to arm themselves."

Australian Federal Police took photos of the activists, which  
numbered about 25, while the protesters also took photos of police.

Prominent Maori activist Tame Iti was among 17 people arrested in  
raids across the New Zealand North Island after an arsenal of  
military weapons was allegedly seized.