Peace Action Wellington activists found not guilty!

In November 2015, 27 Peace Action Wellington (PAW) activists were arrested for protesting peacefully outside the Weapons Conference in Wellington. 15 of them faced trial last week. Over the course of seven days in court fifteen charges of obstruction, trespass and disorderly behaviour were dismissed or found not guilty due to lack of evidence. In their statement, Peace Action Wellington said

"At this point we are relieved that no one has been found guilty and the court has vindicated our freedom to protest but it also feels like we have already been punished by the police, who have used these arrests, charges and lengthy court case to deter people from protesting."

Activists also underlined the importance of an ongoing struggle against the arms trade and said “this court case though taxing will not deter us from continuing to take a stand against the arms trade here in Aotearoa.” Along with the trial, PAW has also organised a Week of Ongoing Resistance with various events in solidarity with the activists on trial.

Read more here.

Also, read an interview with a PAW activist here.