Bounty for Rice's arrest withdrawn

Auckland University Students' Association (AUSA) tonight retracted its $5000 reward for any student who makes a citizen's arrest of United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

AUSA president David Do said it was withdrawing the reward in the interests of safety, but the association would still support any student who sought to arrest Dr Rice.

"None of the multiple justifications for her arrest have changed," he said.

"It is unfortunate the police have threatened students for essentially a form of peaceful protest and civil disobedience."

Dr Rice is visiting Auckland this weekend for talks with the New Zealand Government.

Earlier today Auckland police district commander Superintendent Brett England said anyone trying to carry out the arrest faced "very serious consequences".

"We are obliged to ensure the safety and security of the visiting guest and we will not shirk from that task," Mr England said.

"Operational planning for this visit has been in the making for several months and there are highly effective security measures in place.

"I would strongly advise the association representatives who've put this challenge out, to withdraw it immediately so as to avoid being caught up in something much bigger than they may have anticipated."

AUSA had said the arrest would be for Dr Rice's role in "overseeing the illegal invasion and continued occupation" of Iraq, and crimes under the Geneva Conventions Act 1958, and the Crimes of Torture Act 1989.

Peace campaigners are planning to demonstrate tomorrow while Dr Rice is in Auckland.

- NZPA