Four people have been arrested at Christchurch's Lyttelton Port today after reports they were impeding traffic during an Israel-Hamas war protest calling for a ceasefire.
The group allegedly blocked the tunnel and were "pouring a liquid substance on the road," a police spokesperson said.
"Charges are being considered and the four will be processed in due course."
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa disputed claims they blocked the tunnel, and said the protest took part on streets that restricted access to the port.
Police said approximately 60 people who attended the protest left the area.
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa's secretary Neil Scott claims police responded "aggressively" toward protesters and called for an independent inquiry into the handling of the arrests.
Acting Superintendent Craig McKay said police respect the lawful right to protest, but said "a handful of people failed to comply with police requests to move".
"Following a number of warnings, staff utilised tactical options available to us," McKay said.
McKay said the four men, aged 39, 57, 37 and 70 were charged with obstructing a public place, resisting police and assaulting police.
The 39-year-old is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on Friday, February 9 and the remaining three are due to appear on February 12.
* This story was updated on February 7 to include comment from the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa disputing that the tunnel was blocked.
SHARE ME