Wellington, Oct 20 NZPA - Supporters of an Auckland-based American businessman jailed after failing to remove material from his website are staging a protest outside Mt Eden prison this afternoon.

Vince Siemer is serving a six month jail term for contempt of court after failing to remove the material relating to Auckland accountant Michael Stiassny.

Siemer's supporters say he was jailed unlawfully on an unproven allegation of defamation.

The protest calling for his release is planned for 3.30pm.

Siemer had filed court action in order to be released from jail until he appeals the sentence later this month, but the Supreme Court dismissed his application on Friday.

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