Be careful what you wish for...

Penny Bright, opposer of almost everything posted this on Kiwiblog's General Debate yesterday (our apologies for the capitalisation/shouting, but this is a direct extract):

8 peaceful protestors from Occupy Auckland are in the Auckland District Court (Albert St) tomorrow – Wednesday 8 February 2012.

Solidarity protest outside from 9.00am – then the hearing on the ‘Order of Committal for Contempt of Court’ starting at 10am.

This is SERIOUS.

8 named parties (including myself) are potentially facing imprisonment for allegedly breaching the Court Order made on 21 December 2011 by Judge Wilson by continuing to peacefully protest /camp at Aotea Square.

Judge Wilson, in my considered opinion, treated the FACTS, the EVIDENCE and the LAW with contempt.

I for one, treat his ‘Court Order’ with contempt.

Decisions which are not based upon the RULE OF LAW – deserve to be treated with contempt.

“WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW _ RESISTANCE BECOMES DUTY!”

Council By Laws cannot ‘trump’ our lawful rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression – end of story.

(s.155(3) Local Government Act 2002)

I will NOT be silenced or bow down to municipal and judicial bullying and intimidation.

I for one am prepared to go to jail in order to defend these fundamental human rights.

Penny Bright should be careful what she wishes for. Publicly accusing District Court Judges of having a contempt for the law is probably not the way to court favour when one reappears in the Court to contest further related issues.

We will follow today's proceedings in the Auckland District Court with a degree of interest. But we would note that District Court Judges take an oath of office where they swear to uphold the law, and not necessarily the rights of those who dleiberately break the law for political purposes. After all, the law applies to all New Zealanders; not just the overwhelming majority of us who choose to be subject to it.