Socialist Party expose police violence
The following article was recently carried in several papers and on the websites of The Australian, Adelaide Advertiser and Sydney Morning Herald. It includes quotes from Socialist Party National Organiser, Anthony Main. All of the mainstrem television stations also carried the story and showed footage (leaked by protesters) of police kneeing a young demonstrator. The Victoria police have yet to make an offical statement about the incident. Protesters accuse police of violence
March 04, 2006
AN investigation is underway into complaints of police violence against protesters outside a Melbourne function where Prime Minister John Howard last night celebrated his 10 years in office.
Left-wing protesters threw plastic bottles and eggs and jumped on the Prime Minister’s car as he drove along Clendon Road in the affluent suburb of Toorak.
No arrests were made.
Socialist Party members and representatives of the National Union of Students, the Maritime Union of Australia and Victorian Trades Hall Council chanted slogans as guests turned up for the lavish dinner at the Myer retail family mansion.
One of the protesters, Anthony Main, accused police of “unacceptable” behaviour, claiming officers had kneed demonstrators.
“I think it was totally uncalled for,” he said. “I think the Victoria Police need to explain themselves on this issue.
“I mean, putting the knee into protesters is just totally unacceptable.”
A police officer at the scene told journalists last night the protest was “safe and orderly.”
“I’m very happy to facilitate people being able to get their point across in a safe and orderly manner,” the officer said.
Victoria Police media spokesman Senior Constable Wayne Wilson said inquires were continuing into the incident.
