NT PARLIAMENT INVASION: HEARING STARTS NEXT WEEK

Seven drug law reform activists will appear in the Darwin Magistrate’s Court on Monday 17th February for the commencement of a hearing into the alleged “invasion” of the NT Parliament on the 14th of May last year.

In an Australian first, activists entered the chamber of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly whilst it was in motion to protest against a number of pieces of legislation. Nine activists were charged with “intentionally disrupting the Legislative Assembly whilst it was in motion” and face a maximum penalty of three years gaol.

One of the activists pleaded guilty and received a three-month gaol sentence, suspended after serving two weeks. This matter is still on appeal in the Supreme Court. Another activist is not in the NT. The remaining seven defendants have pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The hearing, set down for two full weeks, will see the NT Chief Minister, Police Minister, Justice Minister and Health Minister in the witness box. A number of key public servants will also be subpoened to the hearing.

Coordinator of the Network Against Prohibition, Gary Meyerhoff said “these are politically motivated charges and this will be a politically motivated hearing.”

Mr Meyerhoff has today written to NT Director of Public Prosecutions Rex Wild QC to request that the matter be withdrawn. At this stage no reply has been received.

On Monday, some defendants will argue that they are not prepared for the hearing and will ask for it to be adjourned to a later date. It is expected that this application will be denied and that the hearing will go ahead.

For further information see the following letter or contact Gary on 0415 16 2525 or Rex Wild QC, Director of Public Prosecutions on (08) 8999 7533 or the Justice Minister Peter Toyne’s press secretary on (08) 8901 4015.