Media release 2.12.03

UNIQUE PROTEST THIS COMING SATURDAY
CREATING A "BRUCE HUBBARD FREE ZONE" AROUND U.S. CONSULATE

Last Tuesday over 50 people attended public forum on the erosion of civil liberties in New Zealand following the war on terror.

The meeting was hosted by Socialist Worker and speakers were Keith Locke from the Green Party, Mike Treen from the Alliance, Bruce Hubbard arrested peace activist and Kane Forbes from Socialist Worker.

Keith spoke about the terrorism suppression act and other anti-democratic legislation, Mike spoke about the international anti-war movement, Bruce about his arrest for sending an email protesting Bush's war on Iraq to the US consulate and Kane gave a brief talk on the struggle for civil liberties in New Zealand.

The meeting decided unanimously to hold a protest event on Saturday the 6th of December at 12pm, meeting at the corner of Queen and Customs Streets.

Bruce Hubbard is not allowed within 250m of the US consulate in downtown Auckland. We will set up a "Bruce Hubbard Free Zone" in a prominent place 250m from the consulate. There will be "Bruce masks" available and we will send a contingent of 50 "Bruce Hubbards" to the consulate.

This unique protest is designed to highlight the stupidity and arbitrary nature of the charges against Bruce. They are also helping us to point out what a dangerous precedent is being set by Bruce's case.

For more information, contact the media spokeperson Kane Forbes 634 3983 or email kane_forbes@paradise.net.nz

More information below in the protest advertisement circulating around Auckland.

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Arrested for free speech
Arrested for free speech
Arrested for free speech

BRUCE HUBBARD emailed the local US Embassy to protest Bush's invasion of Iraq.

He was arrested and charged with ‘causing offence’.

We think this is a serious threat to free speech in NZ.

Under Bruce's bail conditions, he must stay 250m away from the US Consulate.

Help to create a "Bruce Hubbard Free Zone" around the Consulate.

Then put on a Bruce Hubbard face mask (they will be handed out on the day) and approach the Consulate - let's all be Bruce for the occasion!

Join Bruce and the Friends of Free Speech for some serious fun. Let's make farce of this farcical - but dangerous - attack on free speech.

12 noon this Saturday, 6th December, corner of Queen & Custom Sts.

ENDS

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