Anti-blackshirt campaign chalks up victory

BY VANNESSA HEARMAN

MELBOURNE — The local campaign against the Blackshirts chalked up a victory on May 23 when a judge upheld a five-year intervention order taken out by Brunswick woman Paula Pope against Blackshirt leader John Abbott. Abbott appealed against the intervention order, but was unsuccessful.

Members of Diversity in Safe Communities (DISC), formed as a response to the activities of the Blackshirts in the Brunswick area, held a victory rally outside the court after the judgment was handed down.

DISC was set up to provide a rapid response and support to those targeted by the Blackshirts and to reaffirm that diversity in the community was a positive thing. The Blackshirts have concentrated their attention in the past on intimidating women involved in Family Court cases. An intervention order was taken out because Abbott made threats against Pope.

Pope was pleased with the outcome and said, "It's really positive that the courts are now recognising that these men are more than just bullies, they're fascists, and they need to be stopped". The judge indicated that Abbott's conduct constituted intimidation and that the Blackshirt uniform and insignia were reminiscent of fascism.

For more information about DISC, contact Meryan Tozer on 0421 766 159.

From Green Left Weekly, June 11, 2003.

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From GLW issue 541