26 Feb 2015

Anti-war protest in Wellington

7:39 pm on 26 February 2015

Anti-war protesters demonstrated in Wellington this evening condemning the Government's decision to send New Zealand troops to Iraq.

Anti-war protest in Wellington on 26 February 2015.

Anti-war protest in Wellington on 26 February 2015. Photo: RNZ / Benedict Collins

More than 100 protesters gathered outside Parliament urging the Government not to get involved in the United States-led coalition's war against Islamic State.

Green MP Denise Roche, who was among the protesters, said it was a sensible and rational response for New Zealanders to take to the streets and oppose this country's participation in the war.

"It's an incredibly disappointing move by the Government to bring us all into a war that nobody got to vote on. These people here didn't want it and most New Zealanders won't either."

Prime Minister John Key has announced 143 soldiers will be sent to Iraq to help train the local forces in the war against Islamic State.

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