Trans Activist Admits Guilt in Posie Parker Assault Case
The trans rights activist, Eli Rubashkyn, has pleaded guilty to assault after pouring tomato soup over British women’s rights campaigner Posie Parker in Auckland last year.
Rubashkyn, 35, admitted to two charges of assault for the incident that took place at a rally in Auckland’s Albert Park in March of 2023 where Parker was scheduled to speak.
About 150 to 200 of Parker’s supporters attended the rally, but they were outnumbered by a crowd estimated at around 2,000 people who opposed her presence. Rubashkyn, also known as Eliana Golberstein, poured a can of tomato soup over Parker while she was trying to speak, causing her to abort her event and leave the country.
Two Victims Were Covered In Soup
Rubashkyn appeared in the Auckland District Court via video link and pleaded guilty to the charges through her lawyer James Olsen, who requested a discharge without convictions.
There were two charges due to the two victims involved: Parker and a woman standing next to her who was also doused in juice at the same time. Rubashkyn initially pleaded not guilty but later changed her plea to guilty.
If convicted, Rubashkyn could face up to six months in prison and a $4,000 (US$2,500) fine. A sentencing date of Sept. 2 has been set by Judge Ryan.
Despite the guilty plea, the judge declined to enter a conviction and granted Rubashkyn permanent name suppression. The judge also ordered Rubashkyn to pay $1,000 in reparation to the victim.
Before Parker’s visit, then-Immigration Minister Michael Wood condemned her views and expressed a preference for her not to enter New Zealand. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also condemned the violent scenes at the event, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests.
