<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/09/climate-protesters-wont-be-deterred-by-fines-jail-or-political-mixed-messages-on-the-environment>
"As pro-Palestinian protesters sparked outrage scaling the roof of Parliament
House last week, a few dozen activists at Newcastle were making an equally
sharp point – mostly to less fanfare.
Over more than two weeks, campaigners under the Blockade Australia banner have
been interrupting trains near the world’s biggest coal port. My colleague
Jordyn Beazley reported that by Monday at least 500 train journeys had been
cancelled and more than 30 people arrested.
Laura Davy, a 21-year-old Tasmanian who was one of several who travelled to
protest, was sentenced to three months jail for entering and causing serious
disruption at a major facility. Without the benefit of being in court, it seems
a disproportionate sentence for an act of political protest. Others have been
fined $750 to $1,500. Davy was released on bail on Tuesday after their sentence
was appealed.
These campaigners are at the frontline of a direct action movement that has
been building steadily across the country. Last November it brought hundreds of
people to Newcastle to paddle out in kayaks and other watercraft to stop ships
coming and going through the port. Then, more than a hundred people were
arrested. A similar event is planned later this year."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
