Ugly scene

Five pro-marijuana activists were arrested yesterday when police targeted their leader at a protest in Darwin’s Raintree Park.

About 20 uniformed officers and plain-clothed detectives were at the rally.

Protesters chanted “NT police state we do not appreciate” while others yelled at police “this is a peaceful protest” and “what is he being arrested for?”.

The arrests were made before Network Against Prohibition (NAP) protesters could smoke what was touted as Australia’s biggest joint.

The action, condemning the NT Government’s proposed new drug legislation, attracted more than 40 protesters and about 100 onlookers.

Police moved in when NAP activist Gary Meyerhoff began speaking.

Mr Meyerhoff lay down while officers held him.

Fellow activists circled the officers, linking arms to prevent him being removed.

Police eventually placed four protesters, including Mr Meyerhoff, in a paddy wagon.

Then protesters lay on the ground to stop the vehicle leaving.

Mr Meyerhoff said, as he was being driven away by police; “This is police brutality. I have not been told I have been arrested nor what I am being taken away for.”

Police later explained that Mr Meyerhoff had been issued with an infringement notice and was warned not to come back to Raintree Park or he would be arrested.

After the arrests, the protest quietened down as the group listened to reggae music.

Some people appeared to smoke joints, despite the heavy police presence.

The protesters then lit up the metre-long “joint”, which contained herbs.

Police arrested a man who smoked from the “joint” for an apparently unrelated offence. NAP activist Scott White said the arrests had been made to prevent criticism of the Labor Government.

“Clare Martin wants to double the drug force, but it’s a sham – they will simply target small users,” he said.

“Eighty per cent of Darwin people smoke pot and it’s a part of the NT lifestyle.

“All we want to do is be able to smoke a joint without being harassed by police.”

An NT Government spokeswoman said the drug legislation, to be introduced next month, was aimed at drug traffickers.

Police said three of those arrested had been summonsed for hindering police and released.

A man was charged with loitering, aggravated assault and resisting arrest and a second man with hindering police, resisting arrest and possessing cannabis.

Both men were released to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court this week.

Newshawk: Fiona Clarke
Pubdate: Sun, 21 April 2002
Source: Sunday Territorian (Australia)
Author: Suellen Hinde
Copyright: 2002 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/