Speakers:
Julian Burnside QC Liberty Victoria spokesperson Craig Foster commentator, advocate and former Socceroos captain Chris Breen RAC activist facing 'incitement' charge Moz from Manus refugee detained at the Mantra in Preston Farhad Rahmati ex Manus refugee detained at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane
Melbourne RAC member Chris Breen has been charged with "incitement" for helping to organise a safe car convoy protest calling to free refugees because of the risk of Covid-19. Other activists have also been fined.
The charge of incitement sets a worrying precedent for unions, climate activists and all social movements. Even after the health laws are long and gone, if Chris is convicted the same law could be used against unions for organising picket lines or industrial action if deemed not to be legal.
The Refugees in the Mantra, and in detention centres across Australia have been escalating their protests inside the camps, demanding freedom, and the right to protect themselves from coronavirus. Join this forum to hear about the campaign to drop the charges and fines and what you can do to help win the release of refugees from detention.
From next Tuesday the 5th to Sunday the 10th of May, as you go about your shopping, exercise, study, work and caregiving activities, show the public your solidarity with refugees and refugee activists who were charged and fined during the Mantra car convoy.
Stick up pro-refugee posters on your way to the shops or while exercising with the messages: "Detention is an infection risk #Freethe refugees" or "Solidarity with refugee protesters"
Cover your car or bike with pro-refugee messages before you go out
Wear your pro-refugee t-shirts and badges
Chalk solidarity messages on the pavement
Paint and hang "Free the Refugees- Defend the Right to Protest" banners in public facing places
And take a photo of your efforts and post to Facebook or Twitter with the hashtags #Freetherefugees or #Detentionisaninfectionrisk
(If you're not on social media you can email them to us at info@refugeeaction.org.au and we will include in our compilations)
