Peaceful anti-nuke protest: police lose the plot

On July 4, 30 people gathered at Victoria Quay for a vigil against the presence of two nuclear- armed and powered US Navy vessels. The action, Called by the Fremantle Anti-Nuclear Group, was entirely peaceful — except for the extraordinary decision by the police to arrest and charge veteran anti-nuclear campaigner Jo Vallentine.

Vallentine made a point of chatting to the US sailors as they exited a security checkpoint. She didn't obstruct them, as anyone who was there can attest. She simply explained her objection to the presence of the US Navy.

She told the July 11 Fremantle Herald: "I wished them happy Independence Day and said you would be more welcome if you came as a tourist…not part of the military machine."

After refusing to abide by "move-on orders", Vallentine was arrested for a breach of the peace and, in theory, faces a maximum fine of $12,000 or one year in jail.

The police actions were all the more bizarre given all the other people from brothels, strip clubs and tour companies that turned up to tout their business and relieve the 5000 sailors of their money. None of them were arrested for pestering the sailors. Vallentine will contest the charges.

Meanwhile, the Fremantle Anti-Nuclear Group is gearing up for its next action, a protest outside the Esplanade Hotel on July 22 from 8am, where a uranium industry conference will be held. For details, visit www.fang.org.au.

From GLW issue 802