Photos by Ben McCrystal

Media release 10 November 2011, 10.00am

Occupy Auckland protestor accidentally arrested yesterday

A protestor who is part of the Occupy movement was “accidentally” arrested in central Auckland yesterday.

The annual Auckland police “Pay Parade” was held yesterday morning with a procession to the Town Hall, just next to the Occupy Auckland camp in Aotea Square.

Protestors say police have been extremely courteous and respectful of the peaceful protest against corporate greed, income inequality and environmental degradation, and several protestors from the Occupy Camp had prepared posters in support of the police.

“The police are also part of the 99%” said Jen Natoli, a media spokesperson for Occupy Auckland. “Like us they have to families to feed and to care for, while they notice that coporate fatcats are continually getting bailed out.”

It would seem that communication lines got mixed up, when Occupy member Chris Glen was arrested and held for an hour in police custody. It would seem that the sign he was holding which said “We heart the police”.

“I am sure that there was something of a mix-up” said Mr Glen. “The police have been very considered in their response to our peaceful protest against corporate greed.”

“While many in our society assume that we are opposed to one another, our movement is showing the amazing power of solidarity” he continued.

Occupy protestors seem to be surprisingly resilient. Let’s hope that the police continue their support when the occupier join the global “Occupy the World” rally that will begin at 11.00am this Friday 11 November.

ENDS

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