Trial of the Urewewa 20 begins- protests outside Auckland's District Court

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There was a heavy police presences as the accused, who face firearms and other charges following police raids in the eastern Bay of Plenty in October last year, appeared in Auckland District Court.

The hearing could take at least a month with the charges being read out in Maori, as well as English.

Among the six who had their charges read out today was veteran activist Tame Iti, who faces 27 charges.

Under the Maori Language Act, court proceedings can be translated into Maori and at least one accused has applied to have his charges read in English and then translated to Maori.

Judge Mark Perkins told defence counsel he was happy to give a liberal interpretation of the Maori Language Act but only for the charges and only for Maori defendants.

Iti thanked the judge in Maori and acknowledged his supporters in attendance from Tuhoe in the court.

Police have alleged Iti was running military-styled training camps in the Urewera Ranges.

However, the Solicitor-General ruled against the application from police to charge him and others under the Terrorism Suppression Act.

The other five defendants who had their charges read out in court today were Emily Bailey, who faces 30 charges; Ira Bailey 11 charges; Rongomai Bailey four charges; Rawiri Iti 27 charges and Omar Hamed, with 31 charges.

A small number of supporters in the public gallery applauded after each defendant stood to hear his or her charges read out.

The loudest applause was saved for Omar Hamed, prompting Judge Perkins to issue a warning to the gallery.

"If there is a repetition of the barracking from the back of the court I'll clear it and you won't come back for the rest of the hearing."

STATE MEDIA INTERVIEWS COMRADES OUTSIDE THE COURT:

Court appearances for those arrested in last year's raids | NATIONAL | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz

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