Three Extinction Rebellion climate activists aged in their late 60s and early 70s who have previously been the subject of colourful protests outside Auckland District Court pleaded not guilty today to graffiti charges.
Carillon Cowan, 72, Gillian Coombes, 68, and Brian Wheeldon, 70, were charged in October with intentionally damaging the entryway to an ANZ bank branch on Queen St in Auckland's CBD.
If they are convicted, the charges could carry a maximum possible punishment of three months' prison and a $2000 fine.
![Members of Extinction Rebellion's Red Rebel Brigade stand outside Auckland District Court as three protesters charged with willful damage appear for court in February 2022. Photo / Michael Craig](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/SUYDPSVB3ZLWEA6SOXENB76JSE.jpg?auth=4703f847b771c300326c73dc7ca6630069ee6a9e1cf7bfdd06edf6c270753b9f&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
In a press release issued by the Auckland branch of Extinction Rebellion, a global environmental protest movement, the group said they merely painted the sidewalk during the demonstration. The offending image, they said, was the words "Zero Emissions 2025" along with the group's logo.