Australian prisoners Union calls for strikeJuly 14th : Melbourne Indymedia

PRISONERS¹ STRIKE

The world was shocked by the images of Abu Ghraib prisoner torture. But
around the world the prisoner community knows that worse happens every day.

The US presidential election will happen in November. George Bush is
floundering in the wake of his government¹s exposed moral bankruptcy in
Iraq. His terrorism against citizens has been exposed. Australian Prime
Minister Howard has been caught with equal responsibility. They are on the
defence.

This is a proposal from the Australian Prisoners Union that there be a call
for a strike by prisoners in Australia and their supporters. We would call
for parallel actions around the world. It is time to assert ourselves as
human beings with a common issue. We know the comradeship of the prison
experience.

The aim is to get recognition that we are a fundamental stakeholder in the
direction of human civilisation and that we can and will play our part. We
should say that we will not tolerate behaviour like that in Abu Ghraib any
more. We and our communities suffer the most from this abuse of authority,
which is inherent in imprisonment itself.

The prisoner community should see the campaign as one to which it commits
itself in the longer term. It should escalate the pressure for the exposure
of prisons to the outside community for being the crime against humanity
that they are, and similar to slavery discarded not so long ago. The
humanity of those inside should be seen.

DEMANDS
That our communities have the right of free access to us. There is no
legitimate excuse for that to be blocked. Free communication must be
maintained as recognition that secrecy permits crimes against humanity. No
third parties can be trusted or offer the care. Prison managers do agree
that supported prisoners lighten their jobs and survive better later.
Community visitors must get official appreciation and support.

That the international covenants be observed and the UN be funded to monitor
prisons around the world. The book by the International Centre for Prison
Studies "A Human Rights Approach to Prison Management" 2002 lays out the
obligations.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/rel/icps/human_rights_prison_management.pdf.

That the forms of restorative justice and mentoring that are so successful
in reducing social unrest, be adopted immediately, running parallel to
imprisonment until the public feels safe without prisons.

STRATEGIES
The strike should include a launch on Bastille Day Wednesday, July 14. The
forms of the strike should show commitment to the principles of
non-violence, determination, loyalty, good communication, fun and humour. We
should look for commitment from the outside community in parallel action.
Funds raised should be controlled by prisoners in their local areas.

Communication between prisoners and their communities happens efficiently
through the media and the grapevine. Media releases and strategies can be
adopted, adjusted, translated and reissued. Websites can hold contacts and
take messages of support.

High profile exprisoners such as Nelson Mandela can be approached for
statements of support. Prisoners of war have had the same experience as do
those in mental institutions and refugee camps. They and their organisations
need to be asked. Our community is enormous.

On the first day we should ask for a gesture of goodwill and discipline from
all those who abhor the behaviour exposed at Abu Ghraib. Those involved in
the law could refuse to imprison, offer free legal assistance, or give money
to the campaign.

A 24 hour hunger strike, with the right of conscientious objection, should
be proposed for prisoners and supporters outside. Money saved donated to the
campaign. Other forms of strike should be non-confrontational in order to
keep the initiative and the control. Negotiations should be continuous. The
form is the message.

An offering to the public would be a safer life. To deal with us means a
fundamental move away from aggression and intolerance. Prisoners and their
communities could decide on a crime strike, and tell the public what would
make that possible. To make a conscious decision to not break the law for a
day. The police could be asked to show goodwill and tolerance at the same
time. If we can show that we can make a difference that would lead to
greater possibilities in the future. Worldwide the effect would be enormous.

A suggested logo is the purple circle. The circle represents the cycle of
continuity. What you give is what you get. Purple balloons rising over the
jails would be seen from inside. Possibly at 11am before lockup.

Prisons from Abu Ghraib to Guantanamo Bay, from Pelican Bay to Lithgow,
from Mount Eden to Gulag, from the Bangkok Hilton to San Quentin, from Long
Kesh to Chowchilla, should talk about the issues and use their
organizational forms to send out messages. Prison guards should be
encouraged to be part of the debate. By showing our humanity we prevent
inhuman things happening to us. We should offer an opportunity for
forgiveness and mentoring support to Lynndie England and Charles Graner
rather than imprisonment.

Local politicians could raise the use of imprisonment in their areas asking
for free access to prisons and involve prisoners in the debate by entering
the prisons and talking with them.

LONG TERM
We should demand our place as specific interest stakeholders in the
direction of the human race. And fight to the death. Our lives are already
being taken. Now we have an opportunity to take a position. To do nothing is
to accept what we are given.

Please urgently feedback your responses. We want as wide a consultation as
possible before acting.

Solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters!

Brett Collins
Australian Prisoners Union (a spokesperson)
65 Bellevue St, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia
P.O. Box 386, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
apu@justiceaction.org.au
voice: 612-9660 9111 fax: 612-9660 9100

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Proposal 3/6/04