Student march: 'Let the silly buggers protest'
By MICHAEL FOX - Stuff.co.nz | Friday, 01 August 2008

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4639684a7694.html

An "attack on civil rights" has prompted angry Otago University students to protest today in response to the arrest of their outspoken student leaders.

Three students, associated with the legalise cannabis movement, were arrested on campus last month for charges ranging from possession of cannabis, possession of utensils, obstructing police and resisting arrest.

Among the three men arrested was Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis party's Dunedin North candidate Julian Crawford and Otago Norml leader Abe Gray.

The students had been manning a stall promoting the legalisation of cannabis.

Protest organiser Corey Anderson said the arrest and subsequent trespass of the leaders was a blatant attack on civil liberties and students needed to take a stand.

"It is also an attempt by the police to intimidate and quash a political movement by arresting its leaders and those in association with them."

The three men were trespassed from selected areas of the university, in what organisers say was an attempt to prevent them from engaging in political speech.

The students hope the protest will bring an end to police "harassment" and a re-evaluation of the police presence on the campus.

"We think it’s unacceptable that people should be arrested for political activity," said Mr Anderson.

Organisers are expecting anywhere from 50 to 200 protesters, depending on the weather.

"There is a lot of sympathy for the issue even if the bad weather keeps people indoors."

Senior Sergeant Bruce Ross said police were not were not concerned about the protest.

"Let the silly buggers protest."

Police came under fire from students and Green MP Metiria Turei over the incident for using excessive force when arresting the men.

There was also anger from students over the use of undercover officers on the campus.