Sean O'Reilly in Alice Springs Court on Monday F27 Over Pine Gap- A Call for Solidarity! : Melbourne Indymedia

The first court case against the five people arrested at Pine Gap in December takes place on Monday February 27th.2006. Sean O'Reilly, from Redcliffe. was arrested by Australian Federal Police officer at a solidairty vigil at the gates of Pine Gap following the nonviolent resistance action inside the base early that morning, December 9th. Sean is charged with "obstructing an officer of Australian Federal Police"

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

The 5 defendants need help to get back to court. Transport costs to Alice Springs average $500 each. Can you donate to a solidarity fund to facilitate the continuation of this witness against the warfighting role of Pine Gap? ....if so please donate to the group c/- "Sean O'Reilly" Commonwealth Bank, Kippa-Ring Branch Account Number :064166 102 66 104

BACKGROUND In the early hours of December 9th. 2005, four peace activists made their way into Pine Gap Joint U.S./Australian military facility. Pine Gap shrouded with secrecy plays a targetting role for the U.S. war machine in hi tech attacks on Third World people in Iraq, Afghanistan etc.

Bryan Law from Cairns and Donna Mulhearn, a former human shield in Iraq, from Sydney were arrested cutting the fence line. Jim Dowling of Dayboro and Adele Golide from Brisbane occupied the roof of the facility Jim Dowling, Adele Golide, Bryan Law, Donna Mulhearn who walked into Pine Gap are charged with: Destroying or damaging Commonwealth property; Trespassing on Commonwealth land; Unlawfully entering a prohibited area; Unlawfully damaging property. Sean was charged with obstructing Commonwealth Police. The four were told the “Unlawfully enter a prohibited area” charge needs to be approved by the Attorney General, and we await such confirmation. This is the 1952 law Defence Minister Hill threatened them with. It carries a maximum of seven years jail. No one has ever been charged under this law in Australia before. The four will be informed on Feb 27th. if this charge is to be laid. The four go to a committal hearing in April when we will receive a date for a jury trial later in the year.

Please consider offering practical solidarity with nonviolent resistance to the war! Sean O'Reilly 07 3889 4678 sean.oreilly@optusnet.com.au