Right to protest attacked in Darwin

DARWIN — Two political activists were convicted on July 29 for trespass after they participated in a peaceful protest against PM John Howard during his visit to Darwin in September 2004. Justin Tutty and Stuart Highway were arrested at the protest for allegedly failing to move from the premises of the Italian Club when directed to do so by police.

Tutty told the Darwin Magistrate's Court that he had refused to move because "whenever you set up and hold a political protest [the police] always tell you can't do this or that — but you have to stand your ground". Highway told the court of the reasons for the protest, including the crimes against humanity carried out by Howard's government in cahoots with other Western governments. He said that "in any system of law he would be on trial, not me".

Darwin supporters of free speech are encouraged to show their support when Highway and Tutty face court again for sentencing on September 1.

Kathy Newnam

From Green Left Weekly, August 10, 2005.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 637