Carl Asoka Naus, 33, Jowan Caleb Nute, 20, and Liam Scaife, 18, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after allegedly breaking the fire-escape doors and defacing the interior walls of a room in the university’s commerce building last week.
Judge David Robinson granted the defendants bail without plea and they will return to court again later this month.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said the estimated cost of the repairs for the university could be more than $10,000 but an exact figure was yet to be obtained.
It is understood the defendants were protesting what they claim is mismanagement of the university and recent staff cuts.
Protect Otago Action Group members assembled outside court yesterday morning and spokesman Brandon Johnstone, while not commenting on the alleged crime, said he hoped the protest drew attention to the wider systemic issues of public education.
University of Otago interim acting vice-chancellor Prof Tony Ballantyne previously said peaceful protest had a long tradition at the university and it was important students and staff were able to express their views and protest within the law.
He said there was no room for vandalism.
"This is against the kaupapa of our community and is not welcome," Prof Ballantyne said.
