Wellington Prisoners Denied Bail

Around 100 people participated in a rally and picnic outside the Wellington District Court, in support of the 4 Wellington activists arrested in Monday's dawn raids.

After being thoroughly inspected for avacados and dirty underwear by Court Security, a group of supporters filed into the court room, only for the judge to decide to make the bail hearing private (except for the media). As they left, 4 supporters pulled off jumpers revealing t-shirts with the message "We (heart) yous", bringing smiles from the dock.

Outside the court building, an open megaphone session allowed a number of activists to share their thoughts. Some commented on the police terror campaign against Tuhoe and other activists. Others encouraged the crowd to continue supporting the social justice and environmental causes, and community projects, which the arrested activists champion. Yet others challenged the Terrorism Suppression Act and the ammendments to further increase police powers, which are currently working their way through parliament. Other supporters sat in groups writing letters to the prisoners and singing to a guitar.

Excitement was raised when word came through that an announcement was imminent, but it turned out the announcement was that court was adjourning for lunch. Activists from Food Not Bombs provided lunch for the supporters, although no avocados were in evidence.

Finally, after hours of waiting, a mid-afternoon announcement was made that the judge's ruling would be announced after another adjournment. Most of the remaining supporters filed back through the metal scanner and handed over their bags, only to discover at 4:15 that the judge was keeping the hearing closed. After a tense and emotional wait, the worst possible news came through. Not only were all 4 activists denied bail, but they are to be moved to an Auckland remand prison, where it will be extremely difficult for friends and family to visit and support them.

Supporters returned to the street outside where they sang a heartfelt rendition of 'Nga Iwi E' and cheered the activists as they left in two police vans to return to Rimutaka and Arohata remand prisons, in preparation for being transported to Auckland. The 4 will appear in an Auckland court on Thursday November 1, but a national day of solidarity actions for all 17 arrested activists are planned for Saturday 27 October.