NAPNT Media Alerts: Celebration of Drug Culture this weekend in Darwin Australia

NAPNT Media Alerts

Media Alerts published by the Northern Territory chapter of the Network Against Prohibition (NAP). The Network Against Prohibition (NAP) is a group dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and human rights of illicit drug users around the globe as well as the rights of those living in communities in developing countries who rely on opium, coca, cannabis etc for their survival! NAP originally formed in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia, however, an expansion is underway.

Friday, August 09, 2002

Celebration of Drug Culture this weekend in Darwin Australia

Organisers of the 1st Darwin International Syringe Festival expect an explosion of drug culture to hit Darwin this weekend in defiance of the recently passed “Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act”. The Act, which commenced on August 1, has been labelled draconian, nazi-like, an attack on civil liberties and a breach of human rights.

Tonight, NAP and AFRODISIAC present “The Ecky Bangin Micro Dot Explosion” featuring local and interstate DJs including DJ Blastcorp (Darwin), DJ U-Pressure (Melbourne) and DJ Noshow (Brisbane).

Event organiser Nicolette Naxalite said “…we will be providing a safe space for people to use drugs and to have a good time. There will be a chill-out space, a safe injecting area, water,munchies and trained first aiders.”

Saturday will see the 4th “Smoke-up for Human Rights” at 12 noon in Raintree Park. The 1.6 metre joint will be a star attraction at the event which will also include live local bands, a free sausage sizzle and a number of speakers. Veteran activist Col Friel will address the gathering and will discuss the spectre of a US led attack on Iraq.

“Smoke-up for Human Rights” is now a monthly event and organisers have vowed to continue the campaign until the repeal of the “Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act” and an inquiry is held into the prohibition of all currently illegal drugs.

The 1st Darwin International Syringe Festival has been declared a success despite police harassment and intimidation. There is significant international interest in the Syringe Festival that organisers are planning to hold a bigger event in 2003. This will be combined with the 1st International Conference on Direct Action against the Drug War.

For further information, contact Nicolette or Gary on 0415 16 2525.

For venue details for the “Ecky Bangin Micro Dot Explosion” sms 0415 16 2525 or 0417213791 from 10pm for location details. Press passes will be made available however these must be pre-arranged by contacting 0415 16 2525.

For further information on the 1st International Syringe Festival see

http://napnt.tripod.com/pages/Syringe-Festival.a.htm