Russel Norman

Wellington, June 18 NZPA - Police say there is insufficient evidence to substantiate an assault allegation made by Green Party co-leader Russel Norman against Chinese security officials.

The complaint arose from an incident during the arrival of China's vice president Xi Jinping at Parliament earlier today.

Dr Norman laid a complaint with police following the incident, and said he believed those involved should not be able to leave the country until an investigation had taken place.

Dr Norman was waving a Tibetan flag and calling for democracy as the delegation walked by, but a scuffle broke out as he had an umbrella shoved toward him and the flag pulled from his grasp and thrown on the ground. He emerged with a bleeding hand, which he believed was stamped on.

He managed to retrieve the flag and loudly remind delegates they could not suppress freedom of speech in New Zealand, but said he was shocked at the response he got.

Inspector Peter Cowan, Wellington City area police commander, said tonight police swiftly investigated a complaint from Dr Norman.

"Police have spoken to a number of people who witnessed the incident, reviewed available footage, and approached the Chinese delegation who declined to comment with information that might assist the inquiry," Mr Cowan said.

"Within the timeframes available to us police have decided there is insufficient evidence to substantiate any assault charges at this time."

Inquiries will continue during the weekend.

Dr Norman had been contacted by police and advised of the preliminary report outcome.

"I think it's pretty outrageous that Chinese security can come to our country and push around an elected member of Parliament simply because we are standing up for democracy and freedom in our own country on our own Parliamentary grounds," Dr Norman told reporters shortly after the incident.

Earlier tonight Labour leader Phil Goff defended Dr Norman's right to protest at Parliament and said the clash with Chinese security should not have happened.

After visiting Parliament Mr Xi had lunch at Government House and was due to meet with Mr Goff back at Parliament afterward, but that venue was changed at short notice to a central Wellington hotel.

Mr Goff said the scuffle was raised in conversation at the hotel -- and acknowledged by Mr Xi -- who said he understood a culture of free speech and peaceful protest was acceptable here.

Mr Goff said he hadn't seen footage of the incident but knew enough to suggest there may have been an over-reaction. "I don't think it's on at all -- that should not have happened."

"We expect people to be respectful to our visitors, but we also retain the right to protest peacefully."

Dr Norman said it was concerning that government security appeared to have let their Chinese counterparts take control of Parliament.

"Certainly the New Zealand security didn't seem to give a lot of assistance," he said of the clash. "I mean the Chinese security guards elbowed me out of the way, and then I got an umbrella over the top of me and they took the flag off my hands and trampled on it and there wasn't a lot of support from New Zealand security that I could see."

Footage showed at least one New Zealand security guard appeared to try and get between Dr Norman and those he was scuffling with.

Mr Key had met Mr Xi in Auckland earlier in the day and told NZPA it was disappointing the incident would overshadow what had otherwise been a significant and successful visit aimed at further strengthening trade ties between the countries.

Talking before seeing footage of the incident, he said he generally supported Dr Norman's right to protest.

"At the end of the day we will need to reflect on that situation and I guess in future ensure that both the New Zealander's right to express their view and protest is preserved but the dignitary involved doesn't feel their safety and security is compromised," he said.