NT News, 02 May, 02
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NAP - Network Against Prohibition
People's Embassy established at NT Parliament house |
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NAP
- Network Against Prohibition. Tent's have been set up in front of the Northern Territory Parliament, following an uneventful M1 march through Darwin today. The march ended at Raintree Park where more protestors converged to hear NAP (Network Against Prohibition) - speakers. Supt. Rennie, head of the NT's
infamous 'NAP Squad' attended the rally along with 35 other police
officers. Police decided to withdraw when faced by media cameras and a
resolute crowd of protestors... Shortly after the police departure -- and some words from Gary Meyerhoff (NAP's Coordinator) -- about thirty people left Raintree Park for Parliament house to set up what has been described by the NT media as a "Hemp Embassy". Despite concerns about the NT Police response to this action -- no police were present at Parliament house. Once again, mainstream and independent media were present to witness events. |
| People's Embassy
Larrakeya spokesperson June Mills welcomed NAP supporters to Larrakeya land and invited us to camp in the area we'd requested for use in front of Parliament house. June extended this invitation to all of Darwin's 'itinerants' in need of refuge. Discussions between indigenous and human right's groups at the camp and the range of issues involved (already highlighted by recent actions and M1) have seen the camp named a 'People's Embassy'. The group's size will fluctuate as expected, but the camp is already providing accommodation and respite for some homeless people. |
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Interview from the camp.
Gary spoke to ABC Radio's Fred McCue this morning, raising the issue of Australia's role in detaining the children of asylum seekers in isolated detention camps. June Mill's had stated previously, that Aboriginal people don't want people treated that way in their country. The Territory's Aboriginal people have experienced similar isolation and incarceration, due to similar racist policies. When 'Fred' asked about the 'drug situation' at the camp, Gary pointed out the availability of the dangerous drug Alcohol, at Hotels and liquor outlets near the 'People's Embassy'. Another attempt to push this issue
was answered, by Gary explaining that we were there to protest against
the "zero tolerance" drug policy adopted by government and enforced by
NT Police. Protestors plan to remain at the People's Embassy until May 8 when Parliament resumes. Any supplies or visits from 'sympathizers' appreciated. We hope to have a 'film night' as part of today's activities..May 4 is International Ganja Day with 'pot protests' planned all over the planet. More to come... |
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NT News, 02 May, 02 |
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NAP - Network Against
Prohibition. *Later on, at the watchhouse, Police Officers taunted Gary Meyerhoff saying that he would need to watch out when the new ASIO laws were passed. |
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Protesters forcibly removed from Parliament grounds (May 03, 2002) Darwin police say four people have been granted bail after being charged with failing to move from an area around the Territory Parliament. Officers of the Legislative Assembly asked protesters to leave but police had to be called in to remove them. The protesters had set up a tent embassy on parliamentary grounds. They are expected to appear in court later this month. |
