Activist Penny Bright says yesterday’s court ruling in favour of the Occupy Auckland group shows the importance of “standing up and fighting back”.
Yesterday the High Court ruled the eviction of protesters from Aotea Square – who occupied the area in Auckland from October 2011 to January 2012 – went too far.
On January 26 police and Auckland Council evicted the campers and their tents from the site. A judge originally ruled the eviction was legal, but the protesters appealed the ruling in the High Court.
Ms Bright says the decision is a slap in the face for Auckland Council.
“I’d just like to let all the 99 percent know, and take confidence from, when your rights are under attack that is the thing to do – stand up and fight back. You can take on city hall and you can win,” says Ms Bright.
Ms Bright says she is pleased, but that it should never have gone to court in the first place.
“God knows how much this has cost Auckland Council’s citizens and rate payers. Look at how they can slice and dice money going to community groups and all the rest of it,” she says..
The saga cost the council more than $360,000, with the majority going on legal costs.
Ms Bright says Occupy Auckland’s focus now is fighting against asset sales and developing an action plan against white collar crime and corruption.
3 News/RadioLIVE
source: newshub archive
