Westminster system of democracy on trial in Darwin, Australia this week
6 Human Rights activists facing 3 years jail for peaceful demonstration at the Northern Territory Parliament last year
The Westminster system of democracy is on trial in Darwin, Australia this week as 6 human rights activists are sentenced for “unlawfully disturbing the legislative assembly whilst it was in session. Sentences will be handed down on Thursday the 5th of June at 10am in the Darwin Magistrate’s Court.
The charge – “unlawfully disturbing the legislative assembly” has never been used in Australia and possibly never within the Westminster system.
The charge was legislated into existence in the 17th Century after the actions of Oliver Cromwell. It has not been used since.
Thursday will see the Northern Territory Government sentence the 6 activists to terms of imprisonment for their peaceful entry to the NT Parliament on May 14 last year.
The activists were demonstrating against “drug house” legislation, a law that enables police to declare a house a drug house on suspicion only, and to raid the premises without a warrant at any time. The houses are marked with a 1.2 metre high fluorescent green sign. The “drug house” laws have been criticised by civil liberties groups Australia wide.
For more info about the entry into the NT Parliament see
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