M2 charges dropped

M2 charges dropped

SYDNEY — On February 20, the remaining charges relating to the M2 motorway protests in Sydney were withdrawn by the police. Other charges were withdrawn in December.

Freeway Busters spokesperson Gus Gulson said, "This is a fantastic outcome. Almost three years after the protests took place, we've finally emerged from the legal system with no black mark against our names.

"And so it should be for citizens who are willing to stand up for what they believe. A democratic society supposedly values the right to peaceful protest, and those who exercise this right should not be punished."

The main charge against the protesters was "remaining on enclosed land" or trespassing, but the more serious charge of intimidation was also used against them. The latter charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail.

"We feel justified in our actions", Gulson said. "Our concerns regarding the motorway were legitimate.

"The environmental destruction associated with the motorway is ongoing. Attempts to regenerate areas along it have been largely half-hearted, and most areas are now badly degraded. The weeds from these areas are now beginning to spread into adjacent remnant bushland."

From GLW issue 307