Indian leaders condemn mock guillotine protest, slam Peters' 'go back' remarks

Indian community leaders have condemned a mock guillotine protest targeting Foreign Minister Winston Peters, saying the demonstration's violent symbolism crossed a line, while also criticising Peters' recent "go back to your own country" remarks directed at Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan.

The protest, organised by the Migrant Workers Association of Aotearoa, took place at Te Komititanga Square in Auckland CBD on 1 August. Demonstrators staged what organisers described as "satire" and "political theatre", placing a mannequin dressed in a suit with a photo of Peters taped to its face beneath a mock guillotine, where it was given a "metaphoric chop".

The demonstration also featured a mock "trial" that found Peters "guilty of racism and xenophobia", while supporters held signs reading "migrant lives matter".

The protest prompted Peters to call for those involved to be "arrested".

Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said he unequivocally condemned the use of a mock guillotine or any imagery that could be interpreted as glorifying violence.

"As a migrant who has proudly made New Zealand my home, I firmly believe that public debate must be robust and respectful. I unequivocally condemn the use of a mock guillotine or any imagery that could be interpreted as glorifying violence, even if it's framed as political satire."

Bakshi said there were numerous ways to protest effectively, "such as peaceful demonstrations, constructive dialogue, petitions, and active democratic engagement," which conveyed powerful messages without inciting further division.

At the same time, he said public leaders also carried a responsibility for the language they used.

Referring to Peters' comments directed at Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan during a parliamentary debate last week, Bakshi described the remarks as "disappointing and dangerous."

"Our country thrives on diversity, and every elected representative deserves our respect, regardless of their birthplace."

The protest, which was also streamed live on Facebook, showed organisers conducting a countdown before carrying out the mock demonstration using an effigy bearing Winston Peters' face and a wig.

In a previous video, posted shortly after the protest was organised online, one of the organisers took to social media to clarify that the protest poster, which featured an illustration of a guillotine with a smiling photo of Peters inside it alongside the words, " No more racist slop, Winston Peters get the chop", was intended as satire following feedback about the image. The organiser said, "no living beings or living creatures are about to be harmed during this protest. It's satire".

The video also said that, given the circumstances and what organisers described as racism being on the rise, protesters intend to "send a strong message to this government that we've had it enough,"

"We are calling for the resignation of Winston Peters"

Community leader Ilango Krishnamoorthy said political effigies had featured in New Zealand protests before, including during the anti-TPPA campaign and the 1981 Springbok Tour protests.

"That history gives context, but it does not automatically make every use of such imagery wise or acceptable."

While acknowledging the emotion behind Saturday's protest and organisers' description of it as political satire and theatre, Krishnamoorthy said placing the likeness of a named politician beneath a mock guillotine was, "in my view, ill-judged and disturbing."

"Even if no physical harm was intended, execution imagery can be intimidating, can normalise violent symbolism and can distract from the legitimate concern being raised about racism and belonging."

He said a more effective response would have focused on peaceful accountability.

"A community-led public forum, a petition to Parliament, a symbolic 'red card', or a coordinated call for the Prime Minister and Parliament to respond."

Krishnamoorthy also criticised Peters' comments to Xu-Nan.

"A member of Parliament's right to participate in debate does not depend on birthplace or ancestry."

He said such language, particularly from a senior minister, risked sending a message that migrant New Zealanders' sense of belonging was conditional.

Community leader Narendra Bhana KSM also condemned both Peters' remarks and the mock execution imagery.

"Mr Peters' remarks to Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan were unacceptable."

Bhana said telling a New Zealand Member of Parliament to "go back to your own country" was racially loaded and questioned whether migrants and ethnic New Zealanders truly belonged in New Zealand.

He said the language was particularly concerning because it came from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who represents New Zealand internationally.

However, Bhana said the protest organisers also went too far.

"However, placing an effigy of Foreign Minister Winston Peters through a mock guillotine crossed the line from legitimate political expression into disturbing and unnecessary imagery."

"Calling it political satire or theatre does not remove its violent symbolism."

He said that at a time "when political tensions are increasing, such demonstrations can create fear, deepen division and distract attention from the genuine issue being raised."

Instead, Bhana said organisers could have held "a peaceful rally using speeches, placards, petitions and respectful public debate", sought a meeting with political leaders, or publicly called on Peters to withdraw his remarks and apologise.

He said such approaches would have "delivered a strong message without appearing to endorse violence against an individual."

"Mr Peters should acknowledge the harm caused by his words and offer an apology. However, offensive political remarks cannot justify depicting his mock execution."