Exit supporters back defendant
Supporters of Exit Wellington coordinator Susan Dale Austen, 65, filled a Wellington District Court when she appeared yesterday.
Austen faces one charge of importing the narcotic sedative pentobarbitone – known as nembutal – between March 2012 and October 2016, and one of importing on September 30.
She was remanded on bail after police asked for a postponement till March 24.
Judge Stephen Harrop endorsed the comments made by Austen’s lawyer, Donald Steven QC, that publishing photographs of Austen could breach her fair trial rights.
Nembutal is a drug commonly used for euthanasia, and Exit Wellington is a pro-euthanasia group.
The euthanasia debate has been in the headlines after police admitted they used a checkpoint operation to identify people who had been to an Exit Wellington meeting in early October.
The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority for investigation.
About 40 supporters of Austen’s, some with placards, gathered outside the court to support her as she arrived with her husband and lawyer.
‘‘A peaceful death is everyone’s right, which is really all it is about,’’ supporter Jan Rosie said outside the court.
Voluntary Euthanasia Society – which is fighting to change New Zealand euthanasia laws – spokesman David Barber said two-thirds of New Zealand supported ‘‘end of life choice’’ but politicians were unwilling to touch it.
While most of the supporters outside court were middle-aged-or- older women, there were a few men and younger people among the supporters. ‘‘Young people will be facing the issue at some time,’’ Barber said.
Austen appeared relaxed. Afterwards she thanked and joked with the supporters.