Activist Legal News and Updates

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Do you attend protests? Or are you planning to attend your first protest soon?

Do you know what your rights are as a protester?

Join us for an interactive workshop to learn about your rights and obligations when interacting with police at protests.

Presented by MALS, Q+Law, and Queerspace, this free workshop is tailored to LGBTQIA+SB people. Allies welcome. 

•  Saturday 27 April
•  2:30pm-5:30pm
•  Richmond

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL!

activist support

Call for letters of solidarity for activists jailed after peaceful protest

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On 5 March, 2024 Brad Homewood and Violet Coco were arrested and sentenced to 21 days in prison for peacefully protesting to demand the government declares a climate emergency. On 19 March, 2024 their sentences were increased to two months after appeals by police.

Send Violet and Brad a letter to let them know they have your support!

•  all letters will be read by the prison before being given to Violet and Brad
•  all letters must be stamped
•  all letters must include a return address
•  do not include any extras like money, stickers, photos, musical cards, etc.
•  letters must be written and sent individually to Violet (by 8 May) and Brad (by 4 May)

Please make sure letters are clearly addressed to:
     Deanna Maria CoCo   --or--   Bradley Homewood
     c/- Corrections Victoria
     GPO Box 123
     Melbourne VICTORIA 3001
     AUSTRALIA

Every letter of support will be enormously appreciated by Violet and Brad!

Visit the Activist Support in Prison (ACTSiP) Facebook page for information about and support for Australian activists who are in prison.

points of concern

MALS condemns aggressive policing of protest at weapons parts manufacturer factory

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MALS has published several points of concern regarding the policing of an A15 global blockade to free Palestine on Monday 15 April, 2024.

MALS legal observers attended the protest, which took place in the area around Boeing's weapons parts manufacturing facility in Port Melbourne, to monitor Victoria Police's response to the protest.

Police were observed applying dangerous and unsafe tactics to effect arrests, using disproportionate and excessive force against protesters, and baselessly accusing people of resisting arrest.

TRANSNATIONAL ACTIVISM

At least 14 activists arrested during A15 global blockade actions in Melbourne

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Victoria Police arrested at least 14 activists on Monday 15 April, 2024 at several protests around Melbourne supporting the A15 global economic blockade to free Palestine.

Protest actions took place throughout the day at various locations in Melbourne's CBD and suburbs including military parts manufacturers Boeing and AW Bell, fossil fuel corporation BP, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Attorney General Mark Dreyfuss' office, local council buildings, and Melbourne Central shopping centre.

Protests also took place in regional Victoria, and across Australia including NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, and WA.

anti-protest laws

NSW government to conduct public review of anti-protest laws after pressure from human rights groups 

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The NSW Government has confirmed it will conduct a public review into the state’s anti-protest laws in response to overwhelming pressure from the public and human rights organisations.

After previously refusing to commit to an open and transparent review, the Labor state government will now conduct a public review of the state's draconian anti-protest laws including the opportunity for public scrutiny.

Led by a collective of organisations including the Jewish Council of Australia, Australian Palestine Advocacy Network, NSW Council for Civil Liberties, and Australian Democracy Network, the campaign calling for public review of the laws was supported by an open letter from 37 human rights organisations and a petition signed by over 1000 members of the public.

ACTIVIST RESOURCE

The Protest Rights Wrap: new newsletter monitors protest rights around Australia

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What's happening around the country in the protest rights space? Find out in the Protest Rights Wrap!

Australian Democracy Network's new bi-monthly newsletter, The Protest Rights Wrap, will bring you regular updates on protest rights across Australia.

'The Protest Rights Wrap is a newsletter that will give updates on protest rights across Australia, will feature the latest stories on both protest repression and community defiance, and will provide opportunities for you to be part of the movement to push back against anti-protest legislation.'

online course

Security and Protection Management for Human Rights Defenders and Social Organisations

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Registration for Protection International's new online course, Security and Protection Management for Human Rights Defenders and Social Organisations is now open!

Based on Protection International's decade-long experience, this course integrates new approaches and participatory methodologies to strengthen participants’ skills and equip them with the strategies necessary to enhance their physical, digital, and emotional security, and to increase individual and collective protection.

Aimed at individuals and organisations working in the fields of human rights, social development, and humanitarian aid (particularly those facing security risks in the context of armed conflict or political repression), group enrolment is encouraged to facilitate knowledge sharing and to enhance collective protection.

mals membership

Get involved- become a member of MALS!

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MALS defends civil and political rights by training activists, creating and sharing resources on the right to protest in Victoria, training and fielding Legal Observers to monitor and report on police actions, and linking activists with supportive law firms and community legal centres.

Becoming a MALS member means you can contribute to shaping our campaigns, participate in planning and decision-making, and help increase our impact as we protect the right to protest!