Anti-Terror Squad Raid and Arrest Protestors in Dramatic Swoop
Sydney Indymedia 2007/03/14
Media release concerning arrests in sydney of g20 protestors.
Anti-Terror Squad Raid and Arrest Protestors in Dramatic Swoop
The Victorian Terrorist Investigation Squad in conjunction with Federal, NSW and Victorian police raided at least 6 houses in Sydney this morning and arrested 5 protestors. The protestors have been charged with offences related to the G20 protests in Melbourne last November.
“The involvement of the anti-terror squad in persecuting people for their involvement in protest activity is extremely alarming,” said Anita Thomasson from the Ongoing G20 Arrestees Solidarity Network.
“Direct action is a legitimate protest tactic and expression of dissent that in no way constitutes terrorism. To imply as such is completely absurd. Direct action and civil disobedience both have a proud history of being part of movements for social change, from the suffragettes, to strikes for the 8 hour day, and more recently the gay rights movement in Tasmania.
“The use of anti-terrorist policing tactics and resources against protestors confirms the worst fears of civil liberties groups that anti-terror legislation would be used to threaten the basic civil liberties of ordinary people. Excessive policing has always been the norm in the state’s response to criticism or challenge, however now we are for the first time seeing anti-terror resources and powers designed to combat terrorism being used directly to target and survey protestors in Australia.
“The Ongoing G20 Arrestees Solidarity Network supports protestors directly confronting illegitimate institutions such as the G20, whose policies perpetrate violence in countless communities around the world every day. We are calling for all charges to be dropped.”
Individuals arrested during today’s raids will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
For further comment contact: Anita Thomasson 0411680052
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