Iraq protest forces ANZ branch closure

A protest over the occupation of Iraq closed the ANZ Bank's central Auckland branch yesterday.

The protest involved many of those who fought a running battle with police in March this year, causing concern from those inside the bank.

About 150 protesters marched up Queen St and blocked the footpath outside the bank, shouting "ANZ, blood on your hands" and other slogans. A row of police stood across the entrance to the bank, which locked its doors and refused to take in customers.

Veteran protester John Minto led many of the chants up Queen St although he stood back from the footpath blockade.

The protesters were attempting to highlight the ANZ's involvement in a banking conglomerate which is financing some of the rebuilding work in Iraq.

The protest in March went out of control after a large group of demonstrators made a surprise sprint inside the bank and refused to leave. Although police were eventually able to remove the group, it led to violence.

Herald On Sunday photographer Nigel Marple captured a 16-year-old being held by the throat by a police sergeant. A spokeswoman for Auckland Central police said last week the incident was still under investigation. 

- HERALD ON SUNDAY