Christian Pacifists Face Court : Melbourne Indymedia

This week Christian pacifists and other peace activists have convergened on Alice Springs to support activists in court who conducted a “citizens inspection” of Pine Gap in December last year.

The Four activists, calling themselves “Chrisitans Against ALL Terrorism” are Jim Dowling, Bryan Law, Adele Goldie and Donna Mulhearn. They are the first people ever to be tried under the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952. This legislation, written to supress spies and saberturres in the cold war era carries with it maximum penalites of seven years prison.

Tuesday represented the first stage of the trial of the Pine Gap 4, which consisted of legal argument surrounding the the Prosecution's use of the Defence Special Undertakings Act.

The crux of the submission by the defence was that the Crown had not proved that Pine Gap defends the interests of the Commonwealth against external agression and therefore the defendants should be acquitted of the charges under the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act (DSU Act). The defence Counsel, Rowena Orr, appeared by videolink from Melbourne and was outstanding in her grasp of the complexities of these issues.

From Rowena it was heard that the DSU Act limits a fundamental right of freedom, and therefore there must be very stringent tests applied this law. The Crown on the other hand argued that the land is ‘private’ and therefore private property rights are paramount. A heckler in the court loudly whispered that it is Anangu land, and all this talk of private property was ridiculous.

Today the court was closed to the public as the four challenged a supression order that was placed on them, without their foreknowledge, in a Darwin court. Today the secret order was confirmed, including being forbidden to discuss any contents of the order.

On both days a colorful procession of about 30 people (both locals and interstate visitors) accompanied the accused to court. A silent vigil reflected the solemn nature of the issues at stake. Delegates of the National Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Catholic Commission, here to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pope's visit, have joined the supporters on the marches and in court. During procession reactions from the passer-bys varied. One woman mouthed the worlds “blessings to you”, while another man heckled with “thank God for the Gap”. Some Christians conducting a play for what appeared to be evangelical purposes were overheard to say “they should just be preaching Jesus” – ironic because that’s exactly what the accused state they are doing.

Federal police officers have been strongly present during all the activities of the group. They have met defendents and supporters as they arrived at the airport, taken photos outside the court house, and at times followed people around town.

The accused return to court on Thursday 12th of October for mention of all the matters discussed this week.

Activists are preparing for an afternoon of Action at Pine Gap on Saturday. They are also pleased to have the company of Ciaron O'Reilly who has recently been acquitted by an Irish jury for over $2million damage to a US airplane at Shannon airport.