Three activists faced the Roma Street Magistrates Court, May 5-6, in for defying the Queensland government's anti-free speech/pro-genocide laws. They were Alex Bainbridge, Luciano Raygosa and Taylor.
More than 20 activists were arrested on April 18-19 for defying the new law which prohibits display or expression of the Palestine freedom slogans “From the River to the Sea” and “Globalise the Inifada”.
That group will face court over 14 occasions until May 27.
Bainbridge told those gathered outside the court on May 5: “We're walking into the court with our heads held high because we’re here for just reasons, noble reasons”.
“We’re here to take a stand against genocide.”
“The government says this law is about Jewish safety. But that is not what this law is about; it’s about protecting government complicity in genocide.”
Bainbridge pointed to Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who had celebrated his birthday the day before with a cake decorated with a noose — a reference to Israel's new law that makes death by hanging the presumptive punishment for Palestinians in the West Bank — and the ongoing slaughter of Palestinians and Lebanese people by the Israeli military. “We’re here to try to stop these atrocities,” he said.
Raygosa said: “We’re also fighting for freedom of speech here. We’re fighting for every Australian. Stand with us.”
Justice for Palestine Magan-djin (JFP) will organise solidarity gatherings each time an activist has to go to court and a media conference on May 8, the day that Ed Carroll (the first Jew to be arrested under these laws) faces court.
The first three cases were adjourned until June 30.
