A woman working alone in an Oamaru MP\u2019s office was left shaken after allegedly being shoved by pro-Palestine protesters who forced their way inside.<\/p>\n
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said about a dozen protesters gathered outside Waitaki MP Miles Anderson\u2019s office in Thames St yesterday morning.<\/p>\n
Police were called to the scene about 10.15am after “a small number” of the protesters forced their way into the office, Sgt Woodbridge said.<\/p>\n
One of the protesters allegedly grabbed an office worker by the arm and pushed her out of the way, he said.<\/p>\n
The 39-year-old Dunedin woman was subsequently arrested and charged with assault.<\/p>\n
She would appear in the Oamaru District Court next month, Sgt Woodbridge said.<\/p>\n
While the victim was “shaken and a wee bit upset” she suffered no injuries.<\/p>\n
The protesters were removed from the office after initially refusing, he said.<\/p>\n
Protesting should be done peacefully and legally, Sgt Woodbridge said.<\/p>\n
“The police understand and support people protesting when it\u2019s done in a legal manner and when no-one is placed in harm by that protest.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s no excuse for that kind of behaviour from anyone.”<\/p>\n
Mr Anderson said the incident was “a bit surprising for Oamaru”.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s been a number of protests outside my office over the last two years and all the others have been respectful.<\/p>\n
“People that think that sort of behaviour is acceptable need to take a good look in the mirror.<\/p>\n
“I just think it\u2019s not OK to intimidate someone like that.”<\/p>\n
He said the victim was the only member of staff in the office at the time.<\/p>\n
The protest in Oamaru was one of nine happening across the country, organiser Aotearoa for Sanctions said in a statement.<\/p>\n
In its press release, the group described itself as a “collective of constituents” demanding sanctions on Israel.<\/p>\n
“This comes after most of our requests for meetings about Israel\u2019s genocidal crimes were ignored or denied,” it said.<\/p>\n
The group was urging MPs to support the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill and advocate cutting all ties with Israel.<\/p>\n
“This government calls itself \u2018tough on crime\u2019 yet continues to ignore the most horrific crime of all \u2014 genocide,” the group said.<\/p>\n