Protesters face off as far-right media hosts in court

Two far-right activists have been forcibly dragged up to the dock and then removed from a Christchurch courtroom this morning.

Anti-government protesters have gathered outside the entrance to Christchurch's Court buildings this morning as Counterspin Media hosts were due to appear in court. Photo: Rachel Graham/RNZ

Anti-government protesters gathered outside the entrance to Christchurch's Court buildings this morning as the Counterspin Media hosts were due to appear in court.

Kelvyn Alp and Hannah Spierer, presenters on the far-right platform Counterspin, are charged with distributing objectionable material and failing to comply with police orders.

The pair refused to stand in the dock, instead reading out prepared statements from the lawyer's benches.

They failed to acknowledge Justice Large's repeated warnings to stand in the dock, and were eventually forcibly moved by four security personnel.

Alp and Spierer have been remanded on bail for three weeks.

Supporters of Kelvyn Alp and counter-protesters face off outside Christchurch Court on 31 August 2022. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham

Around 60 people with Counterspin Media and freedom signs yelled angrily at those wearing masks, and a small group of counter-protesters held a banner saying, 'We stand united with aroha for our Muslim whānau'.

Counterspin Media has been linked to posting conspiracy theories and Covid-19 misinformation.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/473803/protesters-face-off-as-far-right-media-hosts-in-court