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Mr Meyerhoff has today written to NT Director of Public Prosecutions Rex Wild QC to request that the matter be withdrawn.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.

Darwin Smoke-ins Recommence

Opportunity for Darwin community to express their concerns at NAZI “Drug House” Legislation

The Darwin community will get another opportunity to express their concerns at the Nazi “Drug House” legislation, recently passed through the NT Parliament by the NT ALP.

Darwin’s Eigth smoke-in of this millennium “Smoke-up for Human Rights 8” will be held in Darwin’s Raintree Park, in the heart of the Darwin CBD from 11.30 this Saturday, 8th February.

Organisers have received a permit from the Darwin City Council for the event after intense negotiations. NAP’s 7th Smoke-in for Human Rights proceeded without a permit after this was refused by Darwin City Council.

NAP Coordinator Gary Meyerhoff said “there is considerable concern in the community about these laws. More than 600 people have signed a petition calling on the government to scrap the legislation, including ex-Police Minster Syd Stirling, who defaced a page of the petition at the Mayday rally in Darwin last year.”

The petition also calls for the full range of pharmacotherapies to be available to dependent drug users.

This month’s “Smoke-up for Human Rights” will have an anti-war theme. Event Organiser Nicolette Burrows said: “Organisers recognise that the war on drugs, the war on Iraq and the war on Afghanistan are all related in that these wars are all a result of US Imperialism.”

“Smoke-up for Human Rights 8” will feature a free BBQ lunch, live music and speakers. A community peace pipe will be smoked, in defiance of the NT government’s zero-tolerance approach to drug users and to protest the ongoing devastation that is a result of US Government policy.

For further information call 0415 16 2525 or see http://www.napnt.org Email napnt@yahoo.com