'Pine Gap Four' to face trial

The trial of four activists who inspected the US-Australia top-secret spy base at Pine Gap for terrorist activity, is set to continue on May 29.

The "Pine Gap Four" — Jim Dowling, Adele Goldie, Bryan Law and Donna Mulhearn — who are members of "Christians Against ALL Terrorism" (CAAT), face charges under the Commonwealth Crimes Act and the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act (DSU) 1952. Two weeks have been set aside for the trial, by jury, to be held in the Northern Territory Supreme Court at Alice Springs in front of Justice Sally Thomas.

On January 23, there will be a hearing in which the defence will challenge the applicability of the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952, seek the discovery of documents regarding activities at Pine Gap and argue for the lifting of a suppression order.

Five protesters arrested at Pine Gap during a "Peace Convergence" on October 7 have appeared in court. Jamie Ford, Tracey Makamae, Carl Johnston and Edward Cranswick were charged with loitering and obstructing traffic. Four of the five pleaded guilty. Cranswick stated that he did not respect the jurisdiction of the court as it did not represent the will of the Australian people but that of the occupying power, the United States. The magistrate adjourned Cranswick's case to February 5.

The other four defendants stated that they too supported the action in protest against the US and Australian governments' use of Pine Gap in the war in Iraq. They were fined $280 each.

The Pine Gap Four are inviting people to join them in Alice Springs from May 29 for a peace-making event, and their trial. Visit for more information.

From GLW issue 695