SP Newsletter No.164
‘Anti-Terror’ police were used to arrest protesters in Sydney this week. It was alleged that the protesters were involved in the G20 demonstration held in Melbourne last November. The protesters homes were raided and their doors were kicked in. They were then dragged away to be charged with offences such as riot and affray.

The arrests came after Victorian detectives from Taskforce Salver analysed thousands of images captured on security cameras and taken by the media during the protest. Police from the NSW anti-terrorism unit joined Victorian detectives in the pre-dawn raids. Dozens of police ransacked the activists’ homes confiscating items such as clothing to be used as evidence.

The protesters were bailed from Sydney Central Local Court on conditions that they report daily to police, reside at their home address, not contact prosecution witnesses and do not go to any points of international departure. They will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next Tuesday.

Whilst the Socialist Party did not agree with the tactics used by all of the protestors at the G20 demonstration we are totally opposed to the use of anti-terror police against political protesters. The actions taken by the Victorian State Government and the police in this regard are a gross attack on democratic rights.

These raids also follow the brutal police intimidation of protesters during recent actions against US Vice-President Dick Cheney in Sydney. On that occasion people were physically stopped from demonstrating and two people were hospitalised.

It is clear that the ‘Counter Terrorism’ unit is being used to intimidate young people who stand up against the war and poverty being inflicted by organisations like the G20. They are also trying to send a message to the many thousands of youth who stand against the system and will demonstrate at the APEC summit in Sydney later this year.

The involvement of ‘anti-terror’ police implies that the protesters are ‘terrorists’ this classification makes them liable for penalties under the new anti-terror laws. When these laws were first introduced the Socialist Party warned that in the future the laws could easily be used against socialists, trade unionists or anti capitalist protesters. Many people at the time said we were being ridiculous. Now it is starting to happen.

At a time when many people across the world are turning against the war in Iraq and many more youth are questioning the capitalist system, these raids are being used to divert people’s attention away from the real issues facing ordinary people. Federal and state governments are also desperate to justify the massive amounts of money currently being used to counter ‘terrorism’.

We urge all activists to support the arrested G20 protesters. In the coming weeks there will be public meetings and fundraisers organised. Today it is the G20 protesters tomorrow it could be anyone else who stands against the system.

Attend the G20 Arrestee Solidarity Network Benefit featuring Legends of Motor sport, Melatonin & Assassination Collective. Saturday March 31 at the Arthouse Hotel North Melbourne 9pm start $10.

Join the Socialist Party

If you like what you have read in our newsletter or on our website you should consider joining SP. The Socialist Party has branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Perth as well as members and supporters in all other states. We are involved in trade union work and student work. We also run community, anti-war and environmental campaigns. But most of all we want to build a party that will fight to overthrow the capitalist system. We fight for socialism - a system that will bring an end to wars, poverty and environmental destruction. For more information about joining in your area contact the SP National Office. 0396399111

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The Socialist

Issue 31 of SP’s monthly newspaper ‘The Socialist’ is out now! Readers can pick up a copy at our regular street stalls, from our National Office or by joining the SP subscriber’s list. This month’s paper features articles on Iraq, nationalisation, IR, public transport, Iran, a report from our councillor in Yarra, a report back from the world congress of the CWI and a back page special on women.

SP now on My Space!

My Space is an online forum for networking. You can use it to chat, share photos, videos and journals. SP is using it to promote our party and meet people interested in socialist politics. Check out our site here

Regional Activity

Victoria

The Melbourne Branch of SP meets every Wednesday 7pm at Trades Hall in Carlton South. 1st Floor Corner of Lygon & Victoria Streets. This week the branch will host a meeting on Maoism. The introduction will be given by Nigel Peacock. All welcome.

New South Wales

To find out more info or to join SP in Sydney contact Gary - 02 9728 7727

To find out more info or to join SP in Newcastle contact Samantha - 02 4968 1545

Western Australia

To find out more info or to join SP in Perth contact John on – 08 9402 0728

Please note childcare is available at all SP meetings but only by prior arrangement please call ahead first.

Join the anti war demonstrations across the country on the 4th Anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

Melbourne - Saturday March 17th, 12 noon State Library
Sydney - Saturday March 17th, 12 noon Sydney Town Hall
Brisbane - Saturday March 17th, 11am Queens Park
Canberra - Sunday 18 March, 12.30 pm Canberra Centre
Perth - Saturday March 17, 12 noon Cultural Centre, Northbridge

News links just a click away –

Malaysia: Berembany settlers’ struggle– “Not over yet!”
By Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM – Socialist Party of Malaysia) reporters
Click here

Scotland: Solidarity conference prepares fighting campaign for May elections
By Philip Stott, International Socialists, Dundee, Scotland
Click here

Northern Ireland: Assembly election produces another sectarian headcount
By Peter Hadden, Socialist Party (CWI), Belfast
Click here

Get Active - Join the fight back, Get Militant - Join the Socialist Party
The Socialist Party is the Australian section of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI).
To contact or join the SP or CWI anywhere in Australia or the world call our National Office
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‘Workers of the world unite – you’ve got nothing to lose but your chains’