CAAT Medi Releases and Links to Stories
| Links SMH.com.au SMH.com.au ABC.net.au/triplej/hack/ THEAGE.com.au HERALDSUN.news.com.au THEADVERTISER.news.com.au CATHNEWS.com WEBDIARY.com.au WEBDIARY.com.au SMH.com.au DAILYTELEGRAPH.news.com.au ABC.net.au MELBOURNE.INDYMEDIA.org YAHOO.com GREENLEFT.org.au |
CAAT Media Releases
Pine Gap Trial – UPDATE COURT PROCEEDINGS May 29 2007 A WIN FOR AUSTRALIAN CIVIL RIGHTS A Supreme Court Judge, Sally Thomas, today upheld the constitutional rights of four peace activists facing possible house arrest saying it was “too extreme.” The Pine Gap 4 are facing trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court after doing a “Citizen's Inspection” of Pine Gap US military base in December 2005. In the first day of proceedings Justice Thomas rejected stringent bail conditions the Crown had requested. “What you're suggesting,” said Justice Thomas during court today, “is essentially home detention.. it seems to be too extreme.” Crown Prosecutor Mr Hilton Dembo QC, made application that the defendants Bryan Law, Jim Dowling, Adele Goldie and Donna Mulhearn remain in the courthouse for 45 minutes after daily court proceedings, then to not leave their places of temporary residence in Alice Springs until court the next morning. Mr Dembo also requested the defendants not be allowed within 2 km of Pine Gap, citing the importance of “preserving the integrity of the trial.” He further noted that the Pine Gap Four have published notice of intent to hold meetings and processions in Alice Springs and at Pine Gap, saying “I'm not quite sure what they mean by acts of civil disobedience but you don't have to be violent to cause disruption.” Legal aid barrister, Mr Russell Goldflam, said the intent of these conditions was to deprive the defendants of the right to speak freely about matters of politics. “Clearly an element of their coming here [to Alice Springs] from distant places is to be involved in political expression,” he said. “It is rare that I get a chance to stand up in court and address constitutional matters, but this is one of those times.” Mr Goldflam went on to note that the defendants have returned to Alice Springs for political reasons several times since the Citizens Inspection in December 2005 and have always conducted themselves with “the utmost respect and transparency”. Justice Thomas agreed that the Crown's requests were indeed “extreme”, saying “I don't see the necessity.” Mr Dembo sheepishly withdrew the request for home detention and the Judge rejected the other conditions, setting bail at $1000. Tomorrow – Wednesday May 30 – the jury will be empanelled in the morning and the Crown is expected to present their opening argument after recess at 11.45am. The defendants will be self-represented. Supporters of the Pine Gap Four will again proceed through Todd St Mall to the courthouse in the morning in a “Celebration and Solidarity”parade. EVENTS: Daily - “Celebration and Solidarity”parade by supporters from Todd St Mall to Alice Springs Courthouse Wednesday May 30 5pm – courthouse steps, Hartley St Alice Springs Photo op with defendants (photos also available on request) Thursday May 31 6.30pm – John Flynn Memorial Church Hall, Todd St Mall, Alice Springs Dr Helen Caldicott addresses public meeting Saturday June 2nd 2pm(TBC) – Pine Gap, Hatt Rd Alice Springs Public gathering of Pine Gap Four supporters including non-violent actions and demonstrations (photos available of all events on request) NB: Wednesday May 30 – Pine Gap Defence Facility, Hatt Rd Alice Springs- Jury viewing of facility HAS BEEN CANCELLED, the Crown have not pursued their request. INTERVIEWS with defendants available – call Katie McRobert 0408 468 992 to arrange. Photographs of defendants are also available, including portraits (individual & group) & action pics of pre-inspection demonstrations. For more information contact Katie McRobert 0408 468 992
|