News & Views

Protest, Repression, and the Law: A Right to Protest?

2 September 2020 less than 1 minute read

Writing to your MP, volunteering for a community group, or attending a protest are all types of basic civic engagement that are critical for a strong democracy. However, the ability of concerned citizens to engage in protest is increasingly being discouraged, if not repressed, by a range of legal techniques and political commentary.

This is the first recording of a series of free virtual public panels and training sessions around the theme Protest, Repression, and the Law that Melbourne Activist Legal Support (MALS) will be running as part of Victorian Law Week 2020.

Today’s recording is a virtual discussion on the Right to Protest in Victoria, and the Victorian Human Rights Charter. Featuring Professor Maria O’Sullivan (Monash University), Michael Stanton (Barrister), and Chris Breen (refugee activist and teacher).

This session took place Thursday, 27th August 2020, and was made possible a grant from the Victoria Law Foundation.

Melbourne Activist Legal Support (MALS)

is an independent volunteer group of lawyers, human rights advocates, law students and para-legals. MALS trains and fields Legal Observer Teams at protest events, provides training and advice to activist groups on legal support structures, and develops and distributes legal resources for social movements. MALS works in conjunction with law firms, community legal centres, and a range of local, national, and international human rights agencies. We stand up for civil and political rights.

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