Liz Gunn has called for support in a quest to appeal her recent conviction for assault at Auckland Airport, calling the ruling an example of “lawfare” and an attempt to silence her as a political voice.
The conviction stems from a 2023 incident where Gunn, attending the arrival of a Tokelau family affected by vaccine mandates, was found guilty of assault after lightly touching an airport security officer on the arm.
In a tweet Gunn described her actions as a “light touch” to get the officer’s attention and criticised the legal process as biased and unjust. Video footage of the incident backs up her claims, although the airport security worker said in evidence the touch caused her a “sharp pain.”
“With your support, I will appeal the criminal conviction handed to me for this light touch,” she wrote.
Gunn is seeking donations to fund her appeal and pursue legal action against the “police thugs” who arrested her and her cameraman Jonathon Clark. She also claimed the appeal would expose the broader misuse of the legal system, which she says is being weaponised to suppress those who oppose government and globalist agendas.
With your support, I will appeal the criminal conviction handed to me for this light touch.
Consider donating to allow me the legal means of taking on an appeal to demolish this ludicrous legal precedent. the appeal will also further expose the corruption of Lawfare- using the… pic.twitter.com/hMf5QIqJm2
— Liz Gunn (@LizGunnNZ) November 22, 2024
The trial itself has drawn widespread criticism, both for the decision to prosecute, and the outcome.
Former National MP Matt King called the prosecution “a travesty of justice,” arguing that the footage of the incident shows no violent intent.
“The arresting officer, the malicious prosecution, and the bias of the judge are chilling,” King tweeted.
Having watched the footage of Liz Gunn at Auckland airport and spent 14 years as a Police Officer I can say the arrest and prosecution of Gunn was a travesty of justice.
The actions of the arresting officer the malicious prosecution and the bias of the Judge is chilling. pic.twitter.com/0jiTlYdDVL
— Matt King Northland (@MattKingNorth) November 22, 2024
A retired police officer echoed these concerns, stating, “Tapping someone on the arm is not an assault as it has no malice involved.”
Liz Gunn Convicted of Assaulting Airport Security worker
From the Stuff NZ article:
“During the interaction, Gunn put her hand on Kolodeznaya’s shoulder, which the security worker said caused “sharp pain”. Gunn denied the assault and said the action was akin to a gentle… pic.twitter.com/CCZaV9wvPY
— Coronavirus Plushie (@c_plushie) November 22, 2024
After the trial Gunn highlighted what she sees as overt judicial prejudice. She accused the judge of labelling her an “anti-vaxxer” and referencing “mis and disinformation” in a way that revealed bias. Gunn argued that the case reflects a broader trend of using the legal system to target and discredit dissenters, comparing her experience to that of Alex Jones and Donald Trump.
Gunn’s conviction has significant implications, including a potential criminal record that could hinder her ability to return to practicing law or travel internationally.
“I lightly touched someone on the arm and said ‘excuse me,’” Gunn reiterated on social media. “For that, I’ve been found guilty of assault in a broken legal system designed to take me down.” She urged her supporters to share her story and support her legal battle, describing it as a fight against a system weaponised against peaceful political dissent.
Donations to Gunn’s legal fund can be made here.
When I was up for my Hun-Gar (Kung-Fu) Black Belt test in the U.S., I was told that if I passed the test, I would have to ‘register my hands as deadly weapons’ with law enforcement…
Here in NZ, I also was told that the names of persons engaged in Martial Arts training at the various Martial Arts schools provided a list of enrolled students to the cops. I have tried to verify that, but it remains unanswered despite calls to the schools and the NZ Police.
Our class was then cautioned about even tapping someone on the shoulder, as the person touched could file charges citing ‘assault with deadly weapons’ and we could then be arrested.
It was at that point many students up for their Black Belt refused to test that day, and walked away with only Brown Belts.
I was one of them, as I know how anal some people can be, especially when they goad you or try and ‘set you up’ to be criminally charged.
The fact that Liz Gunn has suffered injuries in the airport encounter, and that she barely touched another person has been exploited for political purposes, ie the New Zealand Loyal Party platform and doctrine.
She also came to the aid of ‘Baby Will’…!
This is why the New Zealand Loyal Party needs to be re-activated!
Yep exactly.
Bent cops and corrupt judges.
It’s all very sad to see in NZ.
On a positive note, I think the tide has now turned and these depraved bureaucrats may shortly be on the receiving end.
What goes around comes around as they say.
We need to hold judges and police a lot more accountable. This judge should resign or be disbarred.
Police should never have taken this to court
Im no rocket scientist to know that this is absolutely crazy and corrupt. Obviously NOT assault. One for the Minister to step in I think. The woke police must remove the rot.
This is nothing new nor confined to this incident.
Next time you come across a parking enforcement officer place a hand on their shoulder n see what happens.