Conspiracy Theorists Billy Te Kahika and Vinny Eastwood appeared in Auckland District Court today to face charges after being arrested at an illegal anti-lockdown rally in Auckland, Wednesday.
In a statement, police said to thisquality both are facing two charges under the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act 2020. In addition, one charge each under the Search and Surveillance Act 2021.
A third person, who is a 52-year-old woman, will appear in the Auckland District Court on August 25 to face one charge each under the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 and Search and Surveillance Act 2021.
Image: CC/ Google Maps
Fronting the charges via video conference link, Mr Kahika denied them in front of Judge Peter Winter. He was granted a 24-hour limitation of internet access on devices, including not correlating with the other defendant(s). The next scheduled court date for him is on October 13.
Mr Eastwood was held without plea, banned from internet access and will reappear on September 10. The 52-year-old woman who is facing replicate charges will reappear on August 25.
Total charges were not supplied to the press question. Failing to comply with a Covid-19 order can result in imprisonment for a set term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $4,000. The search and Surveillance Act can include imprisonment.
The matter is now before the court. Police could not comment or provide any further information.
Image: CC/ Facebook
Mr Kahika arranged the gathering outside TVNZ HQ between Victoria and Hobson streets to oppose recent Covid-19 Alert Level 4 changes as Covid-19 transmission of the Delta variant was identified in the community.
No mask wearing or public health measures were followed by himself and a gathering of about 60 people.
Image: SUPPLIED/Facebook [Billy Te Kahika], YouTube [Vinny Eastwood]
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