A New Zealand Green Party leader found himself on the wrong side of the security detail in Wellington today, when Chinese security guards accompanying touring political bigwig Xi Jinpin ripped a Tibetan flag out of his hands and threw it to the ground under their feet.

New Zealand police say they will investigate the incident, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Russel Norman is incensed that a lawful protest in the grounds of the Parliament could be handled in the manner demonstrated by the security detail. He said that NZ security guards attending the delegation did not do anything to infringe on his right to free speech.

Pic credit: Mark Mitchell.