Darwin residents continue struggle against ‘drug house’ laws

The NT Chapter of the Network Against Prohibition (NAP), is holding its Silver Jubilee Smoke-In this Saturday.

The first Smoke-In, held in April 2002 shortly after the NAP was formed, was marred by police using heavy-handed tactics while trying to disperse the crowd.

NAP's Smoke-In for Human Rights is a bi-monthly, peaceful protest highlighting the NT's draconian ‘drug house laws’ and the 'War on Drugs' in general.

As 200 people enjoyed a local band in Darwin's Raintree Park, NT police officers moved in, aggressively targeting those whom they had marked as organisers. Despite this violent beginning, the NAP will be holding the 25th Smoke-In on Saturday.

NAP spokesperson Fiona Clarke said, "The fact that the Smoke-Ins are continuing shows the determination of the Darwin community to fight Clare Martin's Drug House laws."

"We are asking people to come along tomorrow to help free Stuart Highway, who is a victim of the NT government's clampdown on free speech," Ms Clarke added.

Former Lord Mayor candidate Stuart Highway has served almost 1 month of a 3 month prison sentence arising from charges at the NAP's 6th Smoke-In, in October 2002.

Fiona Clarke said "Stuart is a long-term Darwin resident and is well known by many locals. He is a peaceful activist and his being incarcerated has angered people from all walks of life."

"We want to show the NT government that they can't just jail free speech or lock-up anyone who speaks out against the drug house laws without some community backlash," she said.

Also on the agenda for NAP's 25th smoke-in is the plight of Nguyen Tuong Van, who faces the hangman in Singapore. He was caught within nearly 400g strapped to his body or in his luggage as he passed through Changi travelling from Cambodia to Australia.

All appeals for clemency have been rejected by the Singapore Government and Nguyen Tuong Van could be hung in as little as a week.

"We don't have the death penalty in Australia as Australian citizens are opposed to capital punishment." Ms Clarke said.

"There are many things Australia could do to pressure Singapore to spare Nguyen Tuong Van's life. We could stop training Singapore Air force pilots at RAAF bases for example." she added.

The Smoke-In for Human rights will be held tomorrow at 12 noon in Darwin's Raintree Park. There will be a free BBQ and afterwards a pool-party at NAP's HQ.

For more information ring 0415 162 525 or visit the website at www.napnt.org