Media Release: Weapons conference arrests disgraceful and unlawful

From: Peace Action Wellington

Date: Thursday, May 11, 2006



Peace activists achieved a great victory in Wellington District Court

today as the last remaining charge of those against the 20 people arrested

at last year’s protest against the weapons conference at Te Papa was

dismissed.



The charge of trespass against Peace Action member Nick Henry was

dismissed following an application by police to offer no evidence.



“This is a vindication of our position that the Trespass Act can not be

used to prevent protest in a public place” said Nick Henry



“None of the 20 people arrested were convicted of any charge. The arrests

were simply a means for Te Papa management to remove people who were

lawfully voicing opposition to the Defence Industry Association annual

conference.”



“The hosting of a weapons conference at Our Place is offensive to many New

Zealanders. The National Museum should not be the marketplace for

companies like Lockheed Martin to sell missiles.”



“Members of the Defence Industry Association claimed that no weapons would

be on display yet an army tank and helicopter were showcased at the museum

during the conference.”



Peace Action Wellington has an on-going campaign to stop the annual

conference which is again scheduled to happen at Te Papa in October.