When
Where
Geelong Magistrates' Court
Railway Terrace
Djilang VIC 3220
Australia
Why
n the early hours of 23rd March, activists occupied the roof of local weapons maker Marand Engineering in the old Ford factory in North Geelong, dropped a huge banner down the front of the building & locked on. Marand makes parts for the F35 Strike Fighter jets Israel is using to commit genocide in Palestine & Lebanon. The banner said “Marand #1 supplier of genocide”.
Marand has occupied the old Tool Room at the factory since 2012 & has never put its name or logo on the building. Marand doesn’t want locals to know their location or what they’re making there. This action was designed to expose them. Hundreds of motorists saw the banner during their morning commute. The action received some local media coverage. Start of work at Marand was delayed - maybe that saved a life, who knows?
Emergency Services (search & rescue) cops from Naarm were called in to cut the activists off with an angle grinder & get them down off the roof. The activists were on the roof for about seven hours.
They’ve been charged with obstructing Emergency Service workers, property damage & trespass.
Since October 7, 2023, direct actionists around the country & around the world have carried out similar acts of civil disobedience in the face of governments who are actively supporting the genocide.
So, who are the real criminals here?
The activists will appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court at 10am on Tuesday 1st September for a Contest Mention, the second phase of the court process, during which some of the evidence will be discussed by the accused, the prosecution & the Magistrate. Defend Peace Djilang activist Jaimie Jeffrey will be self-representing & would love your support at court.
Defend Peace Djilang will run a protest action outside the court 9:15 - 9:45, then everyone is encouraged to go into the courtroom to support the activists in their defence.
Contact
Defend Peace Djilang
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