Wellington: Molesworth Street
In Wellington outside of parliament at 5:00pm nearly 2000 anti-tour protestors intended to march down Molesworth Street to the homes of South Africa’s consul to New Zealand. The police stood in a line across Molesworth Street and told the protesters that they were not allowed to proceed. The protesters continued to march, and it was not until police had been pushed back 100 metres that they got out their short batons. Police batoned defenceless and bare-headed protesters, forcing them back. Police dogs were also brought out to help. Protesters (some covered in blood) separated from the group and went to the local police station to lay assault charges.
This day dramatically changed the protest movement as people began wearing helmets to protect themselves from the batons or head-injury. Razor wires and shipping containers were put up as barricades to try avoid another pitch occupation and the remaining grounds.
This day dramatically changed the protest movement as people began wearing helmets to protect themselves from the batons or head-injury. Razor wires and shipping containers were put up as barricades to try avoid another pitch occupation and the remaining grounds.