Violet CoCo Solidarity and the Right to Protest
Lismore local Violet CoCo was sentenced 15 months in prison for peaceful protest. After spending 11 days in Silverwater prison, she was granted bail on appeal of this sentence. The appeal is set for the 15th of March at the Downing Centre in Sydney, she is leaving Lismore on the 11th to travel south.
To send her off we are gathering at Timbre on the evening of the 10th from 5pm to 8pm. There will be yummy food and a forum with Eddie Lloyd, Sue Higginson and Violet CoCo on Solidarity and protecting our right to protest.
This event is powered by The Greens, there will be plant gifts, free food, and good people so book a ticket now.
Our right to protest is under threat, with the government last year passing laws introducing a possible two-year jail term for protests that disturb major roads, bridges and ports. The bill was rushed through parliament in April with the support of the Labor opposition.
NSW Greens MP and spokesperson for justice, Sue Higginson, said: “Violet should never have been sent to prison, especially while she waits for her sentence appeal. No protester who engages in non-violent direct action, no matter how inconvenient it may be, should ever be sent to prison.
“Violet, all of the other peaceful activists awaiting court hearings, and our democracy need protection from this kind of draconian punishment for exercising essential rights of protest. As soon as the new State Parliament is formed the Greens will move to enshrine a non-violent direct action defence into our sentencing laws. I will work to remove imprisonment as a sentencing option for people who play by the rules of non-violent direct action.
“As a lawyer, I have represented hundreds of protestors who have engaged in acts of civil disobedience across Australia. I have represented people who have locked on to bulldozers in forests, stopped coal and gas mine operations and obstructed trains, traffic and ports. Every person I have ever represented has been a good person who cares about the environment, nature and our collective future.
“Violet, all of the other peaceful activists awaiting court hearings, and our democracy need protection from this kind of draconian punishment for exercising essential rights of protest. As soon as the new State Parliament is formed the Greens will move to enshrine a non-violent direct action defence into our sentencing laws. I will work to remove imprisonment as a sentencing option for people who play by the rules of non-violent direct action.
“As a lawyer, I have represented hundreds of protestors who have engaged in acts of civil disobedience across Australia. I have represented people who have locked on to bulldozers in forests, stopped coal and gas mine operations and obstructed trains, traffic and ports. Every person I have ever represented has been a good person who cares about the environment, nature and our collective future.
“Whether you agree with the tactics and methods employed by the people raising the alarm about climate change, they have been playing by the long established rules of non-violent direct action which are woven deeply in the fabric of Australian history.
“Without non-violent direct action the Rocks would have been demolished, equal rights under law would not exist for women, First nations people would be worse off, minimum pay and conditions would have never become a reality and large chunks of the natural environment in our State would have been destroyed.
“It was deeply worrying to hear the Premier say that it was “pleasing” that Violet had been sent to prison and the leader of the opposition say he had no regrets helping the Government to pass these laws. This is the mark of a system that is quickly going in the wrong direction.
“In the new Parliament next year, I will work around the clock to enshrine a non-violent direct action defence into our sentencing laws. I will work to remove imprisonment as a sentencing option for people who play by the rules of non-violent direct action,” Ms Higginson said.
Join us on the 10th to support Violet and send her off with the love and solidarity of our community.
“Without non-violent direct action the Rocks would have been demolished, equal rights under law would not exist for women, First nations people would be worse off, minimum pay and conditions would have never become a reality and large chunks of the natural environment in our State would have been destroyed.
“It was deeply worrying to hear the Premier say that it was “pleasing” that Violet had been sent to prison and the leader of the opposition say he had no regrets helping the Government to pass these laws. This is the mark of a system that is quickly going in the wrong direction.
“In the new Parliament next year, I will work around the clock to enshrine a non-violent direct action defence into our sentencing laws. I will work to remove imprisonment as a sentencing option for people who play by the rules of non-violent direct action,” Ms Higginson said.
Join us on the 10th to support Violet and send her off with the love and solidarity of our community.
When
March 10, 2023 at 5:00pm - 8pm
41 RSVPS