Celebrating Jack Thomas's release

MELBOURNE — Around 150 people attended a party at Trades Hall bar on September 8 to celebrate Jack Thomas' release from Barwon prison. Organised by Civil Rights Defence, the event also raised funds to help the Thomas family pay legal fees associated with his trial and subsequent legal action against the control order placed upon him days after his release.

A highlight of the evening was seeing a skit from the ABC TV show The Chaser's War on Everything, in which a member of the Chaser team dressed up as Osama bin Laden pays a visit to Thomas, much to his amusement.

The party was attended by members of trade unions, civil rights organisations and socialist groups. Emma Brown from the Socialist Alliance told Green Left Weekly: "It was fantastic to see such solidarity for Jack, and the fact that $1600 was raised is testament to CRD's commitment to remain in firm support of Jack and his family."

Marcus Greville

From GLW issue 683