Climate activists to plead not guilty en masse under NSW’s controversial anti-protest laws
Climate activists to plead not guilty en masse under NSW’s controversial anti-protest laws
cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/19624480
Rising Tide campaigners were arrested at Newcastle’s coal port in late 2024 after using kayaks and rafts to protest at facility
I had my court case today, and due to very different circumstances compared to these brave climate warriors, I plead guilty. The only tidbit I can really give is that they're really leaning into the anti-protestor stuff and most likely want to make an example out of as many of them as possible (we were basically told this to our faces today). It's unfair, the charges have been inconsistent, randomly changed and clearly politically motivated. I'd be watching this one closely, and please chip in to support them if you can.
It's not good news for protestors in general that we're actively watching a crackdown unfold all over the nation, but at least in the case of rising tide, it likely means they're using an effective strategy.
Thank you for your sacrifice. I hope one day we win.
the charges have been inconsistent, randomly changed and clearly politically motivated
What's your legal representation like? Is there any chance of an appeal on these grounds? (I know that in the general sense, penalties that are out of proportion with the norms can be grounds for appeal. But I don't know enough about it to know whether that would apply for you.)
Our representation has been incredible, there is the option to appeal but we haven't discussed that yet. We had one successful appeal for a slightly different charge yesterday, so I suspect we'll give it a go.
In my case the charges were entirely reasonable, my statement about them being inconsistent and political applies to those who are facing S214A which carries a maximum penalty of $22,000 and 2 years prison.
You're a legend - no judgement here about how you choose to go with the courts .
