Euthanasia advocates are protesting outside the Wellington District Court, in support of one of their members about to face a judge. (Photo/Georgia Nelson)

Euthanasia advocates protest outside Wellington District Court

Author: Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2017, 10:14AM

UPDATED: 11.16AM The Lower Hutt teacher accused of importing a drug linked to euthanasia, Pentobarbitone, could face further charges.

65-year-old Susan Austen from Maungaraki appeared in the Wellington District Court this morning facing two charges of importing a class C controlled drug.

She's been remanded on bail without plea until the end of March.

Austen is the chairwoman of the Wellington branch of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society, and today fellow members stood outside the courthouse in support of her.

Exit International member Jan Rosie said she's protesting to support her friend and reject the police's actions.

"We're all here to support her, because we're actually all a group that just believe in the right to a peaceful passing if we should so choose."