Legal briefing on Barwon 13 : Melbourne Indymedia

*Invitation to a legal briefing on the Barwon 13*
*Tuesday, March 27, 6:30pm*
*New International Bookshop, cnr Lygon and Victoria Sts, Trades Hall*

When ten Muslim men were arrested in Melbourne under new anti terrorism laws in November 2005, police commissioners and politicians announced that an ‘imminent terrorist attack’ had been thwarted, though no weapons or plans were found, and the men were charged only with being linked to an unspecified terrorist group.

Another three men were arrested in March 2006. In July, they were committed to face trial (the trial will take place later this year).

Civil Rights Defence believe that the 'Barwon 13' are unable to receive a fair trial because the laws that they are charged under are unjust and contravene human rights - they are charged with ‘thought crimes’.

In addition, the conditions of their detention are raising serious concerns
about human rights abuses. The men have been held in Guantanamo Bay-style conditions at Barwon Prison, often isolated in solitary confinement, shackled and frequently subjected to humiliating strip searches. They face more restrictions on contact visits from family members than any other prisoners and have repeatedly raised concerns about their treatment.

On Tuesday March 27, Civil Rights Defence is hosting a legal briefing on the Barwon 13 case. Lawyer and civil libertarian Rob Stary will give a briefing on Australia’s anti-terrorism laws and the current detention of unconvicted remand prisoners in Barwon Prison. This will be followed by questions and a discussion as to what can be done about the situation.

The talk is being held at the New International Bookshop, Melbourne Trades Hall on Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30pm. All welcome.

Photo:

Australian civil rights activists protest terror suspects' internment

http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Australian_civil_rights_activists_protest_terror_suspects'_internment