File photo. Photo: Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye/ 123rf
A woman at a pro-Palestine rally in Auckland was antagonising the crowd moments before her arrest, police say.
Lucy Rogers was arrested Saturday, 25 November, and arrested for breaching the peace.
The Free Speech Union has said her arrest highlighted a pattern of police disregard for free speech and the right to peacefully protest.
Police said Rogers was attempting to antagonise people rallying along Queen Street, and that her actions could have led to a serious altercation or violence between the groups.
Rogers was released a short time later, and given a warning.
Police said they recognised the right to peaceful protest and the public's right to go about their lawful business.
A 46-year-old man was also arrested at the rally, charged with obstructing police.