The court appearances of two people charged over distributing an objectionable publication were met with angry exchanges outside a Christchurch courthouse this morning.
Hosts of far-right conspiracy theory website Counterspin Media are appearing in court today accused of distributing an objectionable publication.
Kelvyn Alp and Hannah Spierer were arrested by police in Christchurch last week.
Alp, who managed to enter the court building without wearing a mask, was clapped and cheered as he entered court.
Spierer, 37, and Alp, a 51-year-old whose occupation is listed as 'consultant' and address was given as being in Woolston, Christchurch, each face three charges.
They are jointly charged that on February 23 this year at Wellington distributed a documentary which has been deemed an objectionable publication under the Films, Videos and Publications Classifications Act 1993.
Alp is also charged individually with distributing the documentary.
The Herald has chosen not to name the publication which was banned two years after it was broadcast.
Spierer, whose address was also listed as being in Woolston, is also accused of failing to supply identifying particulars, namely fingerprints and photograph, at Christchurch police station on August 25.
When the case called, the pair both refused to stand in the dock. They represented themselves in court without a lawyer.
They stood at the lawyer's benches while Judge Jim Large ordered them to stand in the dock.
"I do not argue the law, facts, jurisdiction or venue. I am only here to settle this matter," Spierer said, reading from a prepared script.
They were then forcibly moved into the dock by police officers and court security.
The judge said he intended to remand them on bail on all matters to seek legal assistance if they want.
They are due back in court on September 21 at 10am and the judge said pleas will be required to be entered on that date.
Spierer asked if the judge was "making them an offer" but he remanded them in custody to arrange their bail.
Spierer was still talking as she was led into custody with Alp.
Neither of the accused wore masks during their brief court appearance.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the Christchurch Justice Precinct this morning, including white supremacist Philip Arps, former national director of the New Zealand National Front Kyle Chapman and city mayoral candidate Carl Bromley.
As the smaller group chanted and sang, they were verbally abused, being called, "f****** idiots" and racial comments being made.
Many people livestreamed the crowds outside court, which were held back by court security staff. Many police officers were just inside the building.
Alp and Spierer have links to Counterspin Media, which broadcasts conspiracy theories and discredited Covid-19 misinformation.
-By Kurt Bayer
