Police arrest convoy protesters at New Zealand's Parliament

Police have begun arresting protesters camping on the grounds of New Zealand's Parliament on the third day of a protest against coronavirus mandates

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Police on Thursday began arresting dozens of protesters who were camped out on the grounds of New Zealand's Parliament on the third day of a convoy protest against coronavirus mandates.

The arrests came after Parliament Speaker Trevor Mallard took the rare step of closing the grounds.

Police called in more than 100 extra officers from other parts of the country. Still, police seemed prepared to wait it out as officers formed a line and ordered people to leave but only very slowly advanced on them.

By noon, police had arrested more than 50 people and had charged many of them with trespassing or obstruction. Police wore protective vests but didn't don riot gear or carry guns.