On 1 July 2011, Victoria Police attacked a peaceful demonstration in Melbourne’s CBD. In one of the largest political arrests in a decade, 19 activists were detained during a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) protest in support of Palestinian rights.
On 1 May 19 2012 these activists will be put on trial for their political activity. In a precedent-setting case, these pro-Palestine activists will be fighting a variety of charges designed to criminalise dissent in Baillieu’s Victoria and intimidate supporters of Palestine in Australia.
The activists have received statements and letters of support from around the world, including from Noam Chomsky, Norman Finkelstein, John Pilger and the Ni'lin Popular resistance committee.
The articles below give background to the case and will provide updates during the hearing.
