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Home » 2007 » #696 » Australian News » John Howard on trial

Leo Bradney-George, Bellingen

Nestled in the idyllic hinterland of the NSW mid-north coast, the Bellingen Shire has traditionally been in National Party territory, lying within the federal seat of Cowper, currently held by Luke Hartsuyker. But the steady influx of “new settlers” seeking an alternative lifestyle has brought with it a slow but steady change in the political demographic.

In 2003, the town hosted a march to protest against Australia’s involvement in the Iraq war. This attracted 3000 people, which on a per capita basis made it the largest protest of its kind in the world. More recently, Bellingen’s Merlin surprised everyone on Big Brother by taping his mouth in protest at the federal government’s treatment of refugees.

Now the “People’s Court of Free Speech” has been convened in Bellingen’s Memorial Hall to bring the Australian government to account for its actions over the past 10 years. Iraq, uranium, the Australian Wheat Board, Tampa, SIEV-X and industrial relations will be addressed by speakers, singers, musicians, dancers and video clips.

Local barristers John Carty and Paul Batley will act as counsel for the defence and prosecution respectively.

According to director and “judge” Leo Bradney-George, “We have been unsuccessful so far in apprehending the defendant, but in the event that he doesn’t appear, we will proceed with the trial in absentia”.

The court will convene at the Bellingen Memorial Hall on February 10 at 7pm. Admission to the public gallery is $10 (under 12 years old is free) and all profits will be donated to Amnesty International.

[For more information, contact Leo Bradney-George on <rhymeosaurus@hotmail.com>.]

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