Independent journalist Liz Gunn is on trial for allegedly assaulting an Auckland Airport security worker, resisting police, and trespassing.
Gunn denies the accusations, asserting she merely tapped the security worker’s arm and was intimidated by her behaviour.
The incident occurred on February 25, 2023 as Gunn was greeting members of the Patelesio family arriving from Tokelau. The security staffer involved, Anna Kolodeznaya, claims Gunn grabbed her arm, causing pain due to an existing injury. Gunn and cameraman Jonathan Clark, were later charged.
The trial began today at the Manukau District Court where Judge Janey Forrest dismissed the trespassing charges.
Gunn told the court she was intimidated by Kolodeznaya’s demeanour and that police used excessive force during her arrest, leaving her physically and mentally traumatised.
Counterspin Media were present at court, providing footage of Gunn’s arrival at court and during the lunchtime adjournment. In a tweet they confirmed key video evidence continued to be withheld from Gunn and her legal team.
‘To date, key evidence has been withheld by the prosecution that would exonerate the pair and prove it was, in fact the police that carried out the assault on the pair and not the other way around as alleged.
‘Will this be yet another example of judicial corruption, or will commonsense reign? It won’t be too long before we get the answer to that question.’
The trial will resume on Friday.
LUNCHTIME UPDATE FROM LIZ GUNN OUTSIDE MANUKAU DISTRICT COURT WHERE HER TRIAL IS GOING ON TODAY@HannahSpierer @CounterspinZ @samcostelloNZ @UnitedFreePres pic.twitter.com/MLYnmuVZWe
— COUNTERSPIN MEDIA NZ (@COUNTERSPIN111) May 7, 2024
LIZ GUNN ADDRESSES SUPPORTERS OUTSIDE MANUKAU DISTRICT Court.
Liz Gunn addressed supporters outside the Manukau District Court this morning before the trial of her and cameraman Jonathan, on charges related to a previous incident at Auckland Airport.
To date, key evidence has… pic.twitter.com/Cz7rU64XcN
— COUNTERSPIN MEDIA NZ (@COUNTERSPIN111) May 6, 2024
Good news. Now will there be counter suits for assault by police and also anti-defamation against Scum (Stuff) for reporting her as a “prominent conspiracy theorist” with zero context of the case?
The police need to find a new supplier of body cam….ones that actually work, instead of using dummy ones, how convenient
Trumped-up charges and a corrupt miscarriage of justice in process.
We all know how this fictional ‘legal’ theatre works.
Lots of support for you Liz from a NZ Loyal voter. This nation has become a banana republic under the poisonous influence of mainstream politics and wont change, until people like yourself, with genuine caring and integrity, get into office.
The NZ Police credibility has sunk to a new low.
Congratulations, Liz from Andrea and Dave! Lots of people in NZ regretting they voted for the status quo now and not NZ Loyal as they should! Keep fighting the good fight and prosecute the Police and Airport staff for their bloody lies.