CAAT Medi Releases and Links to Stories
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CAAT Media Releases
SECRET SUPRESSION ORDER PLACED ON CHRISTIAN PACIFISTS A suppression order against four Christian peace activists was reinforced today at a closed hearing of the Northern Territory Supreme court at Alice Springs. The order was made in a closed court in Darwin on September 14 by Justice Mildren and later served by hand on the four defendents Jim Dowling (Dayboro), Bryan Law (Cairns), Adele Goldie (Brisbane) and Donna Mulhearn (Sydney). The four are not permitted to disclose the content of the suppression order or face a charge of contempt of court and a heavy prison sentence. The group conducted a “Citizen’s Inspection” of Pine Gap military-spy base last year, managing to breach the security of the top-secret US intelligence gathering facility, scale a building, unfurl banners and take photographs. Setting a legal and political precedent, Attorney General Phillip Ruddock has granted permission for the Commonwealth to invoke the Cold-War era Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952 in order to throw heavy charges at the activists that carry a maximum of seven years in prison for trespass. The group’s legal defence, headed by retired Federal Court judge, Ron Merkel QC on Tuesday challenged the Governments attempts to silence public criticism of US military bases in Australia. The defence Barrister, Rowena Orr, told the court she believed the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act limits the fundamental right of freedom of movement of its citizens and therefore must be very stringent in its application. Ms Orr said the act requires the government to prove that Pine Gap defends Australia’s interests against external aggression and if it cannot do so, the defendents should be acquitted. The Judge reserved her decision and set a further date for mention on Thursday 12th October when the secret suppression order will also be discussed further. CAAT member, Donna Mulhearn said the Defence (Special Undertakings Act) 1952, is designed to maintain secrecy and intimidate activists from actions at Pine Gap and other US defence installations by carrying absurdly heavy charges. “The fact that the act has never been used before reflects our current political climate of secrecy and paranoia. The Government is guilty about Pine Gap’s key role in the war in Iraq and is keen to hide its secrets,” she said. “This case shows that the level of control they are seeking is excessive, and we must curb the actions of Governments in attempting to control. Supporters of the group from around the country are gathering in Alice Springs this week for a national peace convergence aimed at drawing attention to Pine Gap and its role in the war in Iraq. A forum will be held on Friday night with international activist, Ciaron O’Reilly, recently acquitted for causing over $2million damage to a US military plane at Shannon airport in Ireland. There is also protest action planned at the Pine Gap facility on Saturday at 2pm.
For further information and interviews contact:
Donna Mulhearn on 0422 749319, Jessica Morrison 0422202880
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