That proposal contains and relies on a residential nonviolence workshop at the Australian Quaker Centre at Silver Wattle, about 10 kilometres from HQJOC as the crow flies. http://silverwattle.org.au/about-silver-wattle/ The workshop will examine possibilities for peak NVDA involving civil disobedience. In addition to the residential workshop, it may be possible to organise a larger presence for a more low key picket at the facility’s front entrance.
Next to the article was a photo of Defence Minister Smith, launching the book “An Unwinnable War: Australia in Afghanistan” by Karen Middleton, and saying that “we’ll stay the course”. The Herald Sun gave a fuller explanation.
I reckon we ought mobilise and draw attention against this manifestation of empire.
I reckon a creative, dynamic, and powerful action against HQJOC at Bungendore in April 2012 would be a very useful thing to do.
I reckon we can combine it with a prior national gathering at the Australian Quaker Centre, which would include participation at the ANZAC Eve Peace Vigil on 24 April.
Bryan spruiks about airport security, weapons, and the killing of children in Afghanistan. He affirms his intentions to attempt a ploughshares action. Six days after this recording, the Rockhampton Tiger Ploughshares disabled an Army attack helicopter, just like the ones in the slideshow.
On 21 July 2011, with support from Graeme Dunstan of peacebus.com, I struck an ADF Tiger helicopter with a mattock – putting the narrow blade through a carbon fibre panel, and putting the helicopter out of commission.
Captured from TV - Bryan Law sinks a mattock blade into the carbon fibre panelling of an ADF Tiger helicopter. July 21 2011 at Rockhampton airport.
As a result, Graeme and I have been charged with a number of indictable offences. If convicted I face a near-certain term of imprisonment, while Graeme may be able to qualify for a probation or suspended sentence (then again he may not.
Over the next month or three, Graeme and I have to think about what our legal stance ought be. It seems to be a choice between:
Running a defence based on necessity, similar to the Pine Gap defence (but hopefully better staffed by legal advisors and advocates).; or
Pleading guilty, but opening up the issues around the cost of repair.
Too late! Soldiers and guards run to stop the ploughshares mattock from striking again.
I’d appreciate it if you could look at the following two links, and give us the benefit of your thinking and feeling about the best course forward.
The first link is to a 2008 article by Alice Springs Legal Aid Lawyer Russell Goldflam about the trial and appeal of the Pine Gap Four.
The second link is to a piece I wrote in 2010 about lessons to be learned from the Pine Gap Four, and from the trial of the Waihopai ploughshares, where Adi Leason, Peter Murnane and Sam Land failed in the necessity defence but were acquitted of all charges due to claim of right.
One conclusion I draw in the 2010 article is “By choosing targets such as airplanes, ships, tanks etc (less secret, more direct weapons systems/components), and by majorly disabling said piece of equipment, it may yet be possible to get a necessity defence in front of an Australian or New Zealand jury.”
I’d appreciate any feedback you have to offer.
Also we’re considering a name for our ploughshares group/action. Any suggestions?
BRYAN LAW and GRAEME DUNSTAN held in custody for damaging ATTACK HELICOPTER
- PROBABLE CHARGES
- BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
- QUOTES
Contact Spokesperson: Margaret Pestorius 0403214422
Bryan Law 57 from Cairns Peace by Peace and Graeme Dunstan, 67 of Peace Bus have both been arrested and placed in custody after being allegedly involved with damaging a Tiger attack helicopter at Rockhampton airport yesterday.
They have been charged with 4 and 5 different offenses respectively. They will face court today, Friday, 22nd July.
The Charges will most probably be as follows
THREE Wilful Trespass [different Commonwealth Acts] as follows
1. Wilful Damage of a chain to gain entry
2. Wilful Damage under the Aviation Transport Security Act
3. Wilful Damage under the Crimes Act [Commonwealth] Section 29
ONE Possession of Tainted Property [That is property used to commit a crime] regarding
1. a garden implement
2. bolt cutters
3. a camera
1 Breaking a Bail undertaking not to go near the Rockhampton airport [Bryan Law]
Bryan is relatively well and pleased that he was able to carry out a strong act of disarmament that signals his abhorrence for Australia’s ongoing involvement in overseas wars.
“I can sleep with myself and with my conscience during this abominable war. The Tiger helicopter is a malicious weapon – the same sort of attack helicopter as the Apache gunship the US’ers use. The main cause of civilian deaths is when helicopters misfire on civilians when searching out ‘insurgents’ in operations – this is why I chose this helicopter.”
The Tiger helicopter is worth $40 milllion: only 2/3 what Australian taxpayers spend EACH DAY on military equipment, operations and personnel.
Bryan had previously said that he would target a US helicopter, but the US has hidden their machinery away from the public eye during this TS11 – even Samuel Hill airbase has not been used for aircraft. This seems to be a direct response to the threat of protest intervention.
A mattock was chosen to evoke the imagery of Isaiah – that we should turn swords into ploughshares. The mattock is a garden tool that is usually used to prepare the soil for planting and new growth.
Graeme has been charged as an associate in the act and therefore with the same offenses.
Above all, both hope that others will find inspiration in their actions and seek their own ways of directly resisting this permanent state of war that Australia finds itself in.
Both are seasoned nonviolent and community activists. Graeme is a military veteran having trained at Duntroon. Graeme has been leading the Peace Convergence by sewing colourful flags, building lanterns and banners as a back drop for all nonviolent actions and protests that have been held.
Graeme’s flags and supporters will be at the court for visuals and for interviews.
Spokesperson Margaret Pestorius – margaret@cairnspeacebypeace.org 0403214422
BACK GROUND INFORMATION
You can see Graeme Dunstan’s website at
www.peacebus.com
Well, things aren’t getting any quieter around here. I was arrested by Rockhampton CIB on Friday and charged with “threatening an aircraft” under section 24 of the Aviation (crimes) Act. It’s an indictable offence carrying a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment. I’m to appear in Rockhampton Magistrate’s Court on Monday 25 July, which is real good timing for me. Margaret appears then too, in relation to her arrest last night.
Peace Bro!
It was a bit confronting to have it happen on Friday, which was NAIDOC Day – a day set aside for doing solidarity work/relaxation with no actions or confrontations re Talisman sabre. I suppose from the Police perspective now’s a good time to constrain me and impose bail conditions (or lock me up). I’m proud of my truth-telling in the police interview – which you can find here: http://www.filefactory.com/file/cc4a56d/n/Bryan_s_CIB_interview_part_1.mp3
(It’s a bit fiddly to download, but best we can for now)
Before I describe some of Yesterday’s events, I want to mention a memorial service held for WW2 US and Australian troops at a bush chapel just outside Rockhampton. The readings referred to Isaiahs ploughshares prophecy, and to John 15:12 “love one another”. http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?page_id=1185
Yesterday was major fun at the people’s open day for Talisman Sabre. Police had an extensive presence aimed at controlling our behaviour, but the outcome gave us access to every citizen going in to the open day event. I dressed up in a tuxedo, a death’s head mask, and the Bob Katter Hat, and held aloft a copy of the maimed child that Jim Dowling made a focus of the Pine Gap actions. It was a real thrill to see how many citizens recognised and responded to my costume – and looked at the hideous picture.
Jeanette ans Sister
There was street theatre, peace balloons, participation from celebrated Darambul elder Jeanette Yoh Yeh, and a real good vibe as we put peace front and centre before war. Jim Dowling was arrested for preaching the gospel, but was given a move-on direction rather than being charged. Hundreds and thousands of mainstream people, and they ALL got the message. http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?page_id=1194 We did some media too.
So for me the prep work has achieved its aims. We’ve created a genuine presence and debate inside Rockhampton before the war-games start. Now we’re going to move on the direct action front.
Margaret Pestorius was magnificent last night as she forced the police to arrest her by insisting that she be allowed to use her tickets to enter the ball. There weren’t any media there, but there were 15 activists, including two locals, who are prepared to undertake direct action over the next two week. Margaret set an inspiring example. http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?page_id=1201
I just want to go to the ball.
Things are going very well. Stay posted for more news as it breaks.
Australian military helicopters at Rocky airport 28 June 2011. Folks told me the US helicopters get here next week. I'm at the meteorological station here, with one fence right where I am, and then a second fence 30 metres away, then helicopters.
In July, the United States military will conduct enormous training exercises in Australia with the Australian Defence Force. Warships, submarines, warplanes, and soldiers will arrive. Invading shores and villages will be practiced. Bombing from the air will be practiced.
The U.S. war of terror continues. As I write, we are still at war in Iraq and Afghanistan and undeclared war in Pakistan, Yemen and Libya. Civilians are still killed and maimed by Coalition air-strikes.
Civilian homes, schools, workplaces, infrastructure, and even weddings have been decimated by the U.S. bombs. These air strikes are a violation of human life, of international law, of morality, and the teachings of Christ to love our enemies.
Myself and a small group of pacifists are preparing to disarm a U.S. military aircraft while they are here in July. We will not harm or threaten people… See more
