Last updated09:15, April 7 2017

FAIRFAX NZ

Protesters outside Wellington District Court for Susan Austen's appearance.

Supporters of Susan Austen, who has been charged with importing a euthanasia drug, made their presence known outside the Wellington District Court.

Austen, 66, a Lower Hutt teacher, appeared in court on Friday morning charged with twice importing the controlled drug, pentobarbitone.

The supporters were carrying pro-euthanasia placards outside the court before heading in for the hearing. The placards were removed by security before they were allowed into the building.

The group waited in the court foyer for Austen's appearance.

READ MORE: * Susan Austen in court on euthanasia drug charges * Susan Dale Austen appears in court facing charges relating to importation of euthanasia drugs * Charges laid over importing euthanasia drug * Wellington woman Annemarie Treadwell's death trigger for Police euthanasia furore

A Wellington District Court registrar remanded her on bail for two weeks.

Despite police saying they were to lay another charge, no fresh charges were before the court on Friday.

The Independent Police Conduct Commission launched an investigation into complaints police used a vehicle checkpoint operation to identify people who had been to an Exit Wellington meeting in early October, 2016. Exit Wellington is a pro-voluntary euthanasia group.

-Stuff

Follow this link:

Supporters turn out in force ahead of Susan Austen's euthanasia drug court appearance - Stuff.co.nz