Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Two arrests after anti-fascists clash with National Front

Updated at 6:16 am on 27 October 2008

The National Front says it intends to demonstrate again next year, following clashes at Parliament with anti-fascist groups on Saturday.

The right-wing group had been celebrating what it calls 'National Flag Day'.

The National Front had planned to celebrate at the foot of the Cenotaph, but anti-fascist protesters arrived first.

Police officers formed a barricade between the two groups.

National Front members avoided that area and went to the Seddon Memorial in the grounds of Parliament.

After a clash between the two groups in Parliament's grounds, up to 30 police officers formed a barricade between the 120 protesters as the National Front entered the Wellington train station to leave the protest.

Police say two protesters from the anti-fascism groups will be charged with disorderly behaviour for throwing items at officers and other demonstrators.

Inspector Simon Perry says protesters were warned not to cause trouble.

He says the National Front sought permission for the demonstration and complied with police orders.

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