The race that doesn't stop the nation

CANBERRA: And welcome to Canberra on the first Tuesday in November for the race that doesn't stop the nation. The Anti-Terrorism Cup. The final horses are being brought into the barriers, and we are almost ready for the start.

"Cross the Floor" from the Joyce stables is looking very frisky. English horse "Shoot to Kill" is playing up, with jockey T Blair struggling to keep his mare under control. Blair has had a lot of trouble in foreign races lately, with "Dossier" causing massive problems in the Middle East two years ago. She is now in, and ready to go.

Racing...

"No Debate" and "A Nation Distracted" are off to a great start but "Our Democracy" missed the start badly and is at the back of the field.

"Xenophobia" ridden by Pauline Hanson has settled to the front of the field. "Fear" ridden by veteran hoop John Stone is also up near the front.

"Against the Constitution" ridden by Peter Beatie is also making a strong showing. "There's no time" is three wide.

"Divide and Conquer" has been steered into a good position by John Howard as he chases his fifth cup. "Me Too" ridden by Kim Beazley is settling in just behind "Divide and Conquer". And as we pass the post for the first time, "Open and accountable" has settled towards the back of the field. "No Debate" still leads by a head, but here comes "Johnie's Boy" ridden by Mick Keelty.

"I'm with Him" ridden by Alan Jones is now making himself heard, and his large group of fans are sure to be happy about that.

And "Xenophobia" now makes her move. "Clap and Cheer" with Andrew Bolt in the saddle is just behind "Xenophobia". "Clap and Cheer"'s stablemate "Piers Agrees" is also in the running. "Seperation of Powers" is well and truly boxed in by "Ram It Through" and "Undue Haste".

"Cheques and Balances" ridden by Petro Georgio started strongly but is now dropping back in the field. The pace is now picking up in the back straight with "State's Concerns" and "Legal Advice" making their move, but it's still "Shoot to Kill" and "No Debate" leading the field.

"Our Democracy" and "Open and Accountable" continue to fall behind and "I'm still here" ridden by Lyne Allison is also struggling.

Coming into the home straight, horses are eight wide with "Trust Me" ridden by P Ruddock holding a slight lead. "Fear", "Xenophobia" and "Ram it through" are in great position. They are being pushed hard by "Clap and Cheer", "Piers Agrees" and "I'm With Him". "Seperaration of Powers" is gone and so is "Me Too".

There has bean a dreadful fall at the back of the field with three horses going down. I think it's "Our Democracy", "Open and Accountable" and "Public Consultation".

400 out, and here comes "Shoot to Kill" and "No Debate". "There's No Time" is flying down the outside. And here comes "A Nation Distracted".

Two hundred out and it's anyone's race. "I'm with him" ridden by Alan Jones has been dragged to the extreme right of the track Alan Jones opening up a huge hole for "Divide and Conquer". "Clap and Cheer" and "Pier's Agrees" continue to block "Sensible Debate" against the rails.

Foreign raider "Shoot to Kill" has sprouted wings down the outside and we could see more of him later. "High Court Challenge" has been severely checked by "Trust Me" and the stewards will definitely be looking at that incident.

It's "Shoot to Kill" leading, but here comes the great stayer "Divide and Conquer". "A Nation Distracted" and "Fear" are pushing "Divide and Conquer" forward. "Shoot to Kill", and "A Nation Distracted" are battling it out. IT'S NECK AND NECK. "Shoot to Kill", "Divide and Conquer" and "A Nation Distracted". It's close.

AND HERE COMES "CROSS THE FLOOR" FROM NOWHERE. IT'S A FOUR WAY PHOTO FINISH.

The race that doesn't stop the nation is too close to call. A four way photo and a steward's appeal by "High Court Challenge" mean the final result won't be known for a while.

By Handsdown posted 31 October 05

Constitution: Defending Against State Terror and Despots Australia has no major laws that are not derivatives of English Law and all of our major laws rely on British court precedents for interpretation and implementation. These laws and our Constitutional Monarchy system create a situation where, even if Howard and all State Premiers vote unanimously on the Anti-Terrorist laws, and every ALP/Dem/Lib/Nat/Green party hack also votes unanimously on their laws, and even if such laws are given Royal Assent, those laws are still void.

Open Letter to Australian Senate
Every West Australian needs to take note of the proposed terror legislation that will be debated in the Senate next Tuesday. Our own Premier has sold us out, and the time has come for some serious and organised protest in WA to protect our democracy and civil liberties. Write to the Senate, to the papers, and to every political party. This is a fundamental issue that affects the future of our society.

$145,000 for false arrest in NSW
The lawyer - who has represented almost all Sydney's high-profile accused [alleged] terrorists, [scapegoats for the Coalition of the Killing's resource wars in the Middle East] including Mamdouh Habib - who was kidnapped and tortured and who successfully sued the state for wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment.

Preventive Detention: A Shield or A Sword?
There is a consensus among educated Australians that Preventive Detention is inimical to the democratic evolution of our country. Many are those who argue that given the standards of our time preventive detention is an unnecessary evil.

What's the Difference Between CHINA and AUSTRALIA?
If John Howard's terror law comes into effect, what is the difference between China, and Australia? No rifle executions? I think it is time to approach the Governor General, to dissolve Parliament on the basis that the present Government is attempting to achieve Dictatorial Powers.

Cracks in terror solidarity
In remarks that are at odds with the Premier, Morris Iemma's determined support for the legislation, Mr Debus said yesterday: "I think I share the concern about the legislation with plenty of other people. I don't query that we need to have very tough responses to the threat of terrorism [actually though, the community do query it because the actual threat of terrorism is coming from the Government] and I don't query that the premiers have signed off on a framework last month.

Australian Prime Meanster 'tells' States?
Prime meanster john hoWARd's original pact with the states seems to have fallen into disarray because his new anti-liberty laws breach human rights obligations and the commonwealth constitution.

Anti-Terrorism Bill details draconian police-state plans
First and foremost, the legislation provides for extensive detention without charge or trial, on the flimsiest of pretexts. With no notice or legal hearing, any person can be thrown into secret "preventative detention" or placed, by a "control order," in isolation under house arrest.

Shoot to kill on the belief of reasonable grounds is a problem
Provisions in relation to use of force in s105.23 raise serious concerns. In particular subsection 105.23(2) specifically contemplates the use of lethal force against a detainee where an AFP member believes on reasonable grounds that this is necessary to protect life or to prevent serious injury to another person.

ASIO laws: Don't be silenced
The secrecy surrounding the proposed national anti-``terror'' legislation stands in stark contrast to previous ASIO and "anti-terror'' laws that have been subject to scrutiny by parliamentary committees and public hearings.

Brisbane Peace Convergence calls on Beattie to reject terror legislation changes The Brisbane Peace Convergence (BPC) are calling on Premier Peter Beattie to reject the Federal governments proposed amendments to anti-terror laws. The BPC consider the changes to pose a threat to fundamental rights in a democratic society, including life, liberty and democratic action.

How's this for sedition?
Edmund Burke, who declared the tyranny of bad laws, was a deep political thinker and a ferocious polemicist. In 1777, he wrote to the Sheriffs of Bristol that the true danger to freedom was when liberty was nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts.

Sydney Morning Herald Poll flawed
Sydney Morning Herald: "According to the latest Herald Poll, about three-quarters of voters think it is OK to lock up suspected terrorists [scapegoats for the Coalition of the Killings resource wars in the Middle East] without charge, put them under house arrest or shackle them with tracking devices."

SHOOT TO KILL MADNESS AND DRACONIAN LAWS
The Howard Government wants to give police executing preventative detention orders the power to shoot to kill. This is shoot to kill madness.

New anti-terror laws and the Muslim community
On 8 September the Prime Minister introduced a 12-point plan outlining new anti-terror laws [draconian laws to bolster support for John Howard's resource wars in the Middle East] in a press release. Two weeks later he went to the Council of Australian Governments meeting with the proposals. They approved the measures by and large.

Secret agents brief Bracks on 'seditious' protest
Australia: Melbourne: Thursday 20 October, 2005: A phalanx of "secret agents" delivered a written briefing to Premier Steve Bracks at Parliament House today to tip him off to potential "seditious activities" at a planned demonstration for civil liberties on Saturday.

Shoot-to-kill bluff
AUSTRALIA: federal labor leader kim sleazley has predicted the federal dictatorship will fail in its push for a shoot-to-kill policy to be included in its counter-terrorism laws.

Sedition Laws Target Peaceful Civil Disobedience
The new Sedition Laws in the anti-terror bills clearly target people who call for acts of non-violent civil disobedience. Under the laws there is no defence for calling for change to any law by anything other than lawful means. Penalty is up to seven years jail.

Stanhope flags doubts on 'hasty' terrorism bill
ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope says he may refuse to sign off on parts of the Federal Government's hasty terrorism bill. Mr Stanhope published a draft of the controversial laws [draconian laws] on his website on Friday and has refused to take it down despite a directive from the Federal Government.

Despoja: Stanhope hero of the hour
Natasha Stott Despoja has described Mr Stanhope as the "hero of the hour". Senator Despoja says there is meant to be a vote on the draft legislation in the week beginning November 7.

Stanhope stands his ground
Stanhope: It is bizarre to think legislation of this significance can be rushed into Parliament without consulting a single Australian.

Anti-terrorism laws inquiry 'too short'
Australia: The Opposition says the inquiry effectively gives senators just one day to examine the bills. Labor's homeland security spokesman, Arch Bevis, says the inquiry will be unable to scrutinise whether the legislation provides a balance between security and civil rights.

Australia: Draconian laws draw rights watchdog's ire
Human Rights Watch has condemned Australia's proposed anti-terrorism laws as a "shocking departure" from its historical championing of the rights of the individual.

Dissent Isn't Taken Lightly Down Under
Historian Michael Foley said during times of war pacifists often get mugged. As a nonviolent activist working to end the war in Iraq and the corporate war profiteering that comes with it, September 2005 has been the most surreal time of my life and I definitely feel like I got mugged by Australian Attorney General Phillip Ruddock and the Australian government.

Australia: Rattling the cage
Recently, the federal government announced a controversial new 'counter-terrorism' package. Civil libertarians were quick to raise the spectre of a police state . Yet Muslim groups argued that the new security regime is already having an impact on the democratic freedoms and everyday safety of their communities.

AUSTRALIA: MUSLIMS SOLD OUT!
Hand picked alleged Australian Muslim leaders are being used to cut their own throats the same as the hand picked Indigenous mob have been used by the John HoWARd Government to screw ATSIC.

Anti-terrorism laws put rights at risk: Fraser
Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser says Australians could be treated unfairly under the Government's anti-terrorism [draconian] laws unless a human rights act is introduced.

Stop the war on civil liberties!
Prime Minister John Howard is using the "war on terror" to promote widespread fear about "terrorists" and "terrorism" in Australia. This is despite the fact that the biggest act of terror being committed today is being carried out by foreign troops, including Australia's, in occupied Iraq.

Spots and Stripes
It is well known that John Howard, infamous lackey and liar, is devoid of anything that could be remotely regarded as masculine or manly; the draconian measures he has implemented to 'secure' Australia against the terrorist bogeyman are astounding.

They know where you live
Twenty-four hours after the country's leaders agreed to draconian counter-terrorism laws this week, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, was playing down media claims that ASIO believed there were 800 would-be suicide bombers living in Australia.

When Terrorism Outlaws Democracy
On September 27, 2005, Australian democracy surrendered to terrorism. On that day, a coalition of willing federal and state leaders agreed to anti-terrorism legislation that will enable police persecution of the Muslim community and threaten dissidents with imprisonment. In a country without a Bill of Rights, the prospect of more draconian Terror Laws delivers ultimate control through fear. Australia, with its history of penal colonies, racism and detention centers, is now set to become a police state.

Evans: moderate threat
Evans doubts reports that 800 potential terrorists are living in Australia.

No! Your Rights Australia
You have the right to not remain silent.

800 people deemed a potential security risk?
As reported in the Australian today, ASIO has apparently identified up to 800 people deemed a potential security risk. Ruddock says the draconian COAG measures "deal with people who pose a risk to the safety and security of the Australian community." Hmmm, like detained and deported US peace activist Scott Parkin perhaps? What is this broad definition of a "Terrorist"?

Democrat Will Oppose Anti-Terrorism Laws
NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has accused the Premier, Mr Morris Iemma, of selling out to John Howard after agreeing to new 'Anti-Terrorism' laws yesterday. Dr Chesterfield-Evans said the proposed laws agreed to by Morris Iemma will not work.

Mein Kampf by John Howard
Months before Bali Au warships were seen invading Iraqi territorial waters in deliberate provocations under American protection. It was obvious that Howard had decided before Bali to join in an illegal and aggressive invasion of Iraq and in fact , when that happened, it was led by Au stormtroopers BEFORE the ultimatum given Baghdad had even run out!

Collection of Terrorists Meet to Take Away Our Rights
Tomorrow (27th of September) the State Premiers and the Federal Government are meeting to conspire to strip Australians of their rights. Welcome to the brave new world of electronic tagging and "preventative" detention.

Tell Your State Premier: Don't Do Ruddock's Dirty Work
Over the past several years, the Howard government has passed a series of dangerous new laws. These laws have undermined our basic legal and democratic rights.

Australian government unveils legal framework for police state
In the lead-up to his September 27 "counter-terrorism summit" with the eight Australian state and territory leaders, Prime Minister John Howard last week unveiled a package of legislation that goes well beyond the already deep inroads made into essential civil liberties under the fraudulent banner of the "war on terrorism..."

Australia: Counter-liberty plans unveiled
AUSTRALIA: VIC: BLACK Hawk helicopters and fighter jets will patrol Melbourne's skies during the Commonwealth Games next March, as part of counter-terror measures outlined today.

John H.o.W.A.R.d line roars at Fascism Week
AUSTRALIA: Parody: (Rooters) - While Attorney General Phillip Duddock helped wrap up a US protester for Prime Meanster, John HoWARd during Australia's Fascism Week after a 5 day detention debut and the removal of Mr Scott Parkin a peace activist who was deported back to Houston, Texas. The h.o.W.A.R.d fascism line, adding a dash of despotism to a week of largely draconian styles.

Parkin charged $11,700 for detention and removal
Los Angeles Friday, 16 September, 2005 : American peace activist Scott Parkin arrived back in the US today, escorted by 2 Australian immigration officials. He is expected to arrive in Houson, Texas on a Continental Airlines flight at around 3pm AEST.

Government out of control on security: Wilkie
Australia: Canberra Thursday, 15 September, 2005 : Former intelligence analyst Andrew Wilkie today staunchly defended US peace activist and teacher, Scott Parkin, saying that the government's national security agenda is out of control.

Australia, USA, Iraq: Scott Parkin
The rapid and widespread response to the detention of US peace and global justice activist, Scott Parkin, has been heartening and effective on many levels. Actions have taken place in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and outside several Australian Consulates in the United States.

Peace Activist Agrees to be removed but challenges security review
ATTENTION: CHIEFS OF STAFF - IMMIGRATION REPORTERS - LEGAL REPORTERS

Australia's fascist ideal: Proof
Philip Ruddock, Federal Attorney General to Australian, hopes to eclipse the neo-cons of the US in the race toward the fascist ideal of social uniformity and control (oppression).

Anti-War Extremists Loyal to Scott
What can I say to someone like Scott Parkin? Sorry mate, to get a PEACE prize in this country you need to be drop dead sexy, go-tees are out - you gotta go. Peace Prize.

US Peace Activist to be Deported
Scott Parkin, a Texas based peace activist was detained by Federal police at approximately midday Saturday. He was en route to give a workshop about the progress and success of the peace movement in the US and companies profiting from the Iraq war.

Howard government threatens academic freedom
As Peter McGregor noted in GLW #639, I recently resigned in protest from a committee of the federal government's National Health and Medical Research Committee (NHMRC) and called for a boycott by academics of government committees generally.

'Different times' call for bill of rights, says QC'
To ensure no future government can erode basic human rights. Lex Lasry, QC, gave last night's key note address at the University of Western Australia's annual Day of Ideas.

Australia: a little dab will do ya .....
Reflections on the phoney, hypocritical "values" debate being promoted by the federal government, as part of its proscriptive program to emasculate our democracy.

Government warned Terror Laws "inherently dangerous, draconian and open to misuse" John North, Law Council of Australia: "In times of fear, it is easy for governments to impose ever (more) draconian laws."

Fishing expedition pays off
A man whose home was targeted by ASIO in fishing raids this year is facing fraud charges along with a co-accused who is linked to firearms offences.

The Terrorism of ASIO Laws
Wanda Fish asks Australian Senators to reject Howard's proposal to strengthen laws that already erode our basic legal rights. This legislation has the potential to turn ASIO agents into terrorists who can kidnap and detain innocent Australians simply because they "might know something".

Terrorgraph not quiet on 'Aussie militant' probe
AFP refuses to comment on investigation into militant video: hoWARd's abc.

Phillip Duddock's 'accent' heard in militant broadcast
Australian/Arab television has broadcast a video showing a masked militant with an apparent Australian accent criticising British Prime Minister tony bliar over Iraq.

HICKS: Not a Happy Birthday!
AUSTRALIA/CUBA/US :David Hicks, the Australian imprisoned at the US Base of Guantanamo Bay, will be 30 years old this coming Monday August 7, 2005.

GetUp! Stand Up! Stand Up For Your Rights!
Because of you, something exciting happened in our democracy last week. From every corner of the country, more than 20,000 emails were sent to the Coalition Senators. Our message was simple: now you have control of the Senate, we will be holding you to account. Thousands of you added personal messages to your representatives about the issues you care about.

Australia: We're Living In A War Zone
Prime Minister john hoWARd and his cronies have now placed us in a war-zone moving defence capabilities to Australia's south-east coast.

All the alleged terrorists are Muslims
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner mick keelty, a well know propagandist and liar, now claims that 60 Islamic extremists are operating in Australia and they are not news to the police and intelligence agencies.

All the wicked witches in Pakistan?
Pakistani authorities say 800 suspected militants [scapegoates and patsies] have been arrested in raids following the deadly London [false flag operation] bombings, as Islamic groups protest a move to expel 1,400 foreign students.

It's just not cricket: Khan
The perception in the West remained that somehow Islam was connected to militarism and terrorism, that all Muslims believe that all suicide bombers go straight to heaven. No one mentioned that before [false flag operations of] 9/11 70 per cent of suicide bombings in the world were committed by the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, who were Hindus.

Lawyer dismisses ASIO fishing raids as PR stunt
Fascist federal Police (AFP) and ASIO officers conducted more raids in Melbourne and Sydney yesterday but the publicity surrounding the raids has been dismissed as a public relations exercise by the Melbourne lawyer for an accused terrorist.

Howard off to US, UK - part 5
PART-5- PRIME minister john hoWARd will meet US president george w buSHIT, British prime minister tony blair and queen 'imperialism' herself during a 10-day visit to the United States and the UK next month.

hoWARd, ruddock, ellison, keelty and news ltd plotted chaos
AUSTRALIA/CUBA: Government and corporate propaganda agencies 'believe' they have foiled an attack on the Melbourne Stock Exchange by a radical Islamic network linked to a covert group, which has carried out surveillance on key Sydney sites.

Houses raided over 'possible' political attack plans?
ASIO have raided a number of properties in Melbourne on a 'fishing expedition' in relation to a 'possible' political scare campaign by the hoWARd government, playing on the fears of all Australians... again!

Is this our most dangerous Newspaper?
The Daily Terrorist should be managed with manacles and flown into Siberia via a jumbo jet tomorrow amid fears government fascists may attempt to use them again on someone else.

HOSTAGES OF THE WAR ON TERROR
This forum will bring together legal representatives and victims of counter-terror, along with justice campaigners and organisations in order to share strategies for achieving justice for these men and the many other like them.

WAR ON TERROR, WAR ON HUMAN RIGHTS: AMNESTY
The Canterbury-Bankstown Peace Group & the Justice for Hicks & Habib Campaign welcome the statement by Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan, condemning the US Administration for condoning torture and the suppression of 'human rights' in their 'war on terror'.

Murdoch's war on truth in war reporting
People who remain to be convinced that cross-media laws are important to maintaining the fabric of our democracy need look no further than today's page one of The Daily Telegraph.

Chomsky signs on for justice
Noam Chomsky has signed the Justice for Jack campaign petition which calls on the Australian Attorney General Philip Ruddock and Director of Public Prosecutions to "drop any charges reliant on records of interviews conducted under duress without the presence of a lawyer."

If he'd been given his passport he'd be a free man
A Sydney man [scapegoat in the Coalition of the Killings resource wars in the Middle East] has been found not guilty of preparing for a terrorist attack on a Commonwealth building [ruling class propaganda.]

Trial by unrelated video clips
Should alleged terrorist suspects [scapegoats for the resource wars in the Middle East] be shown on television side-by side-'terrorist training camp film clips' gathered by the government and media archives to give the wrong impression of accused people facing trial?

Accused Australian Citizen 'denied passport in 2002'?
AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN who was refused a passport by DFAT in mid-2002 became frustrated at the government for treating him differently.

Court should be told Gov't using 'Jack'!
A Melbourne court should have been told a man accused of working for Al Qaeda is being used by the fascist Australian Government as a pawn in their leverage to win support for their illegal and degrading activities.

Noble Cause Torture?
AUSTRALIA: The Labor Party has decided not to support a Senate inquiry into new allegations made by Mamdouh Habib that the Australian Government cooperated with Egyptian intelligence authorities who he insists tortured him.

New account adds weight to interrogation claims
Australia/Cuba/Iraq: The fascist Federal Government is under further pressure today because Australians were involved in the interrogation of tortured Iraqi prisoners.

Australian senate accused govt of war crimes
Did you hear the one about David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib having a Barbeque in Afghanistan with Bin Laden? Yeah it was reported on Channel Seven's Sunrise this morning! But they don't know if it was a sheep or a goat, but sources say it was most likely a goat.

DPP to appeal innocent man's bail
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will seek to have an innocent Melbourne man Joseph 'Jack' Thomas, returned to isolation in custody?

Fascist Australian Govt torture exposed
The fascist Federal Government has been exposed for the torture of Australian Mamdouh Habib and the US Government's allegations against him (if they were true) would have been made under duress.

Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
Shame on the federal fascists. The wicked old witch is dead! A Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard that a 31-year-old innocent Victorian man was facing terrorism charges?

Lawyer blames police for Habib break-in
John HoWARd, Alexander Downer, Phillip Ruddock, Robert Hill, to name just a few....HOW DO YOU PLEAD?

No reason for Habib to sell story: Beazley?
Federal Agreement Leader Kim Beazley is a well-paid loser. A loser who supposed to be defending our democratic rights by standing up to the HoWARd Government's fascism.

Australia: a presumption of guilt......
KAREN PERCY: Two of Australia's leading barristers have seized on the return of Guantanamo Bay detainee, Mamdouh Habib, to launch an unprecedented attack on the Federal Attorney General, Philip Ruddock.

Aust Community criticises Govt for 'crimes'!
Australia: The Law Council of Australia is warning that the Federal Government must learn from its mistakes over Guantanamo Bay? Now that's a mistake!

Australian Govt Guilty of Crimes: Community
Australia: The community says federal fascists who allowed the torture of its citizenry including Mamdouh Habib may be arrested when the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal address the War Crimes Indictment set out by the community.

What they did to Habib
Mamdouh Habib was the victim of atrocities fit for a concentration camp, including being tied to the ground while a prostitute menstruated on him, his lawyer said yesterday.

Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
Shame on the federal fascists. The wicked old witch is dead! A Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard that a 31-year-old innocent Victorian man was facing terrorism charges?

Innocent Victorian man held in custody for Xmas?!
Lawyers have argued the case against Mr Thomas was weak and based on a statement he made in Pakistan without a lawyer present and therefore unlawful.

Innocent Melbourne man makes second bail bid
Rubish, just plain propaganda, fear-mongering, draconian nonsence from the HoWARd goverment's war agenda stink tank.

MPs to review spy agency powers
Australian spy agency ASIO'S controversial powers to detain and question suspected terrorists [scapegoats for HoWARd's resource wars] will be re-examined by a parliamentary committee. Parliament passed the new counter-terrorism powers in July last year.

Goulburn Jail breaches UN standards
NSW: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on Justice Minister John Hatzistergos to bring Goulburn Jail's Maximum Security Wing into line with United Nations standards, after a prison inmate's covert survey of his fellow inmates revealed problems with rehabilitation programs and basic amenities.

Lodhi toilet paper: crap!
He is facing nine charges and is accused of planning a major terrorist attack on Sydney defence sites and the electricity grid using downloads off the internet and having 100 rolls of toilet paper to wipe his arse after low level bombs and farts.

Community seeks more power to interrogate ASIO suspects
Greens Senator Bob Brown does not think increased police powers are necessary. "We have enormous powers for surveillance, apprehension or punishment of people who are engaged in or intending to engage in or thinking about being engaged in terrorist acts in this country," he said.

Greens warn of 'politicised' terror trials
AUSTRALIA/CUBA?: The Australian Greens say they are concerned that new anti-terrorism laws being debated in the Senate allow for the "political black-banning" of defence lawyers at terrorism trials.

Melbourne man charged over ASIO links
ASIO a know Australian terrorist organization is verballing the community again...about allegations that a man, while living overseas, received funds from Al Qaeda and had close association with the members of the terrorist group.

DING DONG! THE WITCH IS DEAD
A court has been told Joseph Thomas is a sleeper? ZZZ! Melbourne Australia: A court has been told that Osama bin Laden asked a Melbourne man to become a "sleeper" in Australia before undertaking activities for the Al Qaeda network? Munchkins: "Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch! Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead."

AFP: The unlikely CRIMINAL
It was born of a bombing and it made its name after a far more devastating act of terrorism. But for most of the 25 years in between, little was known about the Australian Federal Police force or the work it did.

Australian Federal Government complicity in war crimes
Complaint to Australian law officers about Australian Federal Government complicity in war crimes.

There is no justification for torture
In the weeks since the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison were revealed, evidence continues to seep out of similar mistreatment of prisoners in other US military detention centers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.

Howard rejects spy agency overhaul
Prime Minister John Howard has played down the need for a major overhaul of Australia's spy agencies as a result of an inquiry by former intelligence officer Phillip Flood.

Mamdouh Habib: Taunted and Tortured!
Four Corners [Walls]: Terrorist - or Taunted by the Australian Defence Force who sacked him as a cleaning contractor? Who is Mamdouh Habib? And why was he harassed by the Australian Federal Police? Then tagged and labelled as a spy? Why was he vilified by the community? When he fled to Pakistan how did he end up being tortured in Egypt? And how did he end up at Guantanamo prison camp reserved for the men America calls "the worst of the worst.

He was an undercover agent for the blues
He was my journalist, he was working undercover. The fellow knew all of the moves.... He really had me romping, bare footing stomping. He just kept igniting my fuse....

Up there Khasali: Innocent man new bail laws
The New South Wales Supreme Court has asked innocent man Bilal Khazal to increase to amount of surety offered, before the bail is formally continued.

HEY! BIG BROTHER? LET INNOCENT PEOPLE GO!
Young men terrorised, tortured, and threatened with charges for no crime by Australia mate the lucky country. Lucky if you're not used for Howard's FEDERAL ELECTION and George Dubya's WAR ON LIBERTY! Who shot liberty? IGNORANCE!

Ul-Haque 'the man who wants to become a doctor'
The taskforce is investigating French man Willie Brigitte, who was tipped back home for a visa breach. Allegedly the Un-Australian Newspaper claimed he also attended training camps before his six-month stay in Sydney. Police have not alleged Mr Ul-Haque knew Brigitte. The Un-Australian just mentioned it because they are 'you guessed it' up John Howard's butt and they like the USA want 'you guessed it' our Federal Government. Well Yankee go home!

Brain injury for suspicion 'inhumane'
Faheem Khalid Lodhi refused bail by a Sydney court and remanded until June in hell at the (HARM-U) High Risk Management Unit at Goulburn. While he is in there he will receive a brain injury and is likely to self-harm due to the gross violation of living standards.

Keelty foresees more terrorism
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty says terrorist groups will continue to find new ways to threaten countries.

Daily Terror rolled-over for Howard's war games
The DAILY TERROR is suspected of being the source of the news this morning that Willie Brigitte is a terrorist and that Sydney faces a bomb attack.

Lawyer claims Al Qaeda suspect's evidence tainted!
Before returning to Australia last year, Thomas was arrested and held in custody for five months by Pakistani authorities before being released without charge.

Man terrorised by ASIO remanded in 'AA' isolation!
A Victorian man has been remanded in custody after being charged with terrorism offences, including having links to Al Qaeda?

Ruddock foreshadows new terrorism laws
The new laws will allow police to access emails and mobile phone SMS messages, enable wider use of surveillance devices, and protect sensitive national security information during terrorism trials.

Islamic movement denies links to Al Qaeda
The Islamic Youth Movement has denied having any links to Al Qaeda and says it is considering legal action against the Four Corners program. In a statement released early this morning, the group rejects allegations it is helping coordinate any kind of terrorist network inside Australia and says it is being unfairly targeted.

2nd Renaissance -10 The War on Witches [150]
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a Papal Bull that became the rationale for establishing the Inquisition in Germany. The following excerpt from the Bull sets out the official view of the danger of witches to the community. The Bull and this this passage provided the sole excuse for the torture and cruel executions that were, ultimately, to be the fate of up to fifty percent of the population of some villages.

New rules in Goulburn prison

The following outline is provided as a guide to ensure a consistent and effective approach in dealing with charges and applying sanctions applicable to failed urine tests.

GOULBURN CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX: FAIL URINE TEST - MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

In accordance with section 57 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 and section 152 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) regulation 2001, in dealing with a charge relating to this offence and given that the office is proven, an inmate may be deprived for up to six months (168 days) of such withdrawable privileges as determined to be suitable.

The following outline is provided as a guide to ensure a consistent and effective approach in dealing with charges and applying sanctions applicable to failed urine tests.

1 First Offence

1. Withdrawal of the following privileges for 42 days: 1. Contact Visits, 2. Access to private or any other television. 3. Access to private or any other walkman, radio/cassette.

2 Second Offence

1. Withdrawal of: 1. Contact Visits for 84 days,2 Access to private or any other television (56 days), 3. Access to private or any other walkman, radio/cassette (56 days), 4 Any organised leisure activities (Oval, Activities gym, etc) (56 days) 5. Activity purchases (56 days), 6.Hobbies (56 days)

3 Third Offence.

1. Withdrawal of: 1.Contact Visits for 126 days, 2. Access to private or any other television (56 days) 4.Any organised leisure activities (Oval, Activities gym, etc (56 days) 5.Activitiy purchases (56 days), 6. Hobbies (56days)

4. Fourth and subsequent Offences

1. Withdrawal of: 1. Contact Visits for 168 days 2. All privileges, except telephone, (56 days)

In addition to the application of sanctions, case management approaches will be implemented to identify issues and ensure appropriate support and programs for inmates to address offending behaviour.

In accordance with section 19.4.4 of the Operations Procedures Manual, minimum security inmates that return a positive result to a non-prescribed substance will be required to be re-assessed by the Case Management Team to review the inmate's security rating and submit a recommendation to the Case Management Committee .The security rating signifies a level of trust which is accorded to an inmate, and is part of the inmates's case plan.

Effective Date: 1 November 2005

Barry Folpp
General Manager
Goulburn Correctional Complex

Complaint: Sam Boyd

G-day People of J.A.,Hows it going out there in the big bad world? Do cars still have wheels? (and he hand-drew a cartoon smile)

On Sunday 17th we yard delegates were handed a slip of paper outlining Goulburn's new guidelines for inmates who fail urine tests.

We seek information on the following points;
1) Is this legal
2) Was there once a legal case where the removal of an inmates private
property was deemed illegal, some seem to say there was
3) Black deaths in custody
4) Those with psych problems
5) Is this just for Goulburn or statewide
6) Are all inmates subject to the same guidelines

Thank you for your time as we hope you can shed some light on our concerns

Sincerely

Sam Boyd

Comment: Brett Collins JA

We have just received a handwritten letter from the representative of the yard delegates asking us to find some information.

Their right to possess anything at all, their right to have access to the outside world, their right to hold their family and friends, and the right to hold them, is being challenged. Their right to listen to music, or have exercise or hobbies are also being threatened. They want us to help.

What shall we say?

I propose that we write back to them, saying that we will work with them to resist. That we want their families and friends to make contact with us to help. Together we will win. And enjoy our community to boot.

Down with torture! Stop the terrorism! Demand our rights be defended!

Comment: Brian Steels

Not having seen the 'guidelines' provided to prisoners, it is more difficult to assess the situation.

If it was to happen in WA I would ask for the guidelines to be made available publicly through Parliament. (A Question without notice is a good start, and I'm sure that you have a local pollie who will assist here. I use the Greens)

Then item by item see if the punitive measure is outside of the Australian Standard Guidelines and UN articles. They will be!

Ask families to write to church groups, human rights groups and your usual suspects to complain about such harsh treatment.

Here we have Prof. Richard Harding and the Inspectorate who would also assess the likely outcomes of the prison authorities acting on these guidelines.

THEN...I would hold a vigil/protest on the steps of Parliament...that works for me, although I'm feeling my age when it comes to a 24 hr vigil for human rights!

Overview Of Australian Justice And Prison Systems

(ii) The Standard Minimum Rules detail what is generally accepted as being good principle and practice in the treatment of prisoners and in the management of institutions. It is accepted that not all of the rules are capable of application in all places and at all times. The HRC has observed that there are certain minimum requirements which should always be observed. They relate, for example, to the minimum floor space and cubic content of the air for each prisoner, adequate sanitary facilities, clothing which is not to be degrading or humiliating, the provision of a separate bed, and the provision of food of nutritional value adequate for health and strength.

The rules make provision for the following matters, in general terms:

21. Every prisoner who is not employed in outdoor work shall have at least one hour of suitable exercise in the open air daily if the weather permits. Young prisoners, and others of suitable age and physique, shall receive physical and recreational training during the period of exercise. To this end, space, installations and equipment should be provided.

22-26. Every institution should have the services of at least one qualified medical officer who should have some knowledge of psychiatry. Prisoners must undergo medical inspection as soon as possible after admission; prisoners suspected of infectious or contagious conditions must be segregated. The medical services must include a psychiatric service for the diagnosis and, in proper cases, the treatment of states of mental abnormality, and each prisoner is entitled to the services of a dentist. Special accommodation must be provided for all necessary pre-natal and post-natal care and treatment. Where specialised treatment is required, the prisoner shall be transferred to specialised institutions or to civil hospitals.

27-32. Discipline and order shall be maintained with firmness, but with no more restriction than is necessary for safe custody and well-ordered community life.

No prisoner shall be employed, in the service of the institution, in any disciplinary capacity.

Conduct constituting a disciplinary offence, types and duration of punishment, and the authority competent to impose such punishment must always be determined by the law or regulation of the competent administrative authority.

No prisoner shall be punished unless he/she has been informed of the offence alleged and given a proper opportunity of presenting a defence (where necessary and practicable, through an interpreter). The competent authority shall conduct a thorough examination of the case.

Corporal punishment, punishment by placing in a dark cell, and all cruel, inhuman or degrading punishments shall be completely prohibited as punishments for disciplinary offences.

Punishment by close confinement or reduction of diet or any other punishment that may be prejudicial to the physical or mental health of a prisoner shall never be inflicted unless the medical officer has examined the prisoner and certified in writing that he/she is fit to sustain it.

37-39 Prisoners shall be allowed under necessary supervision to communicate with their family and reputable friends at regular intervals, both by correspondence and by receiving visits. Prisoners who are foreign nationals shall be allowed reasonable facilities to communicate with diplomatic and consular representatives of their State.

Prisoners shall be kept informed regularly of the more important items of news by newspapers or radio or by any similar means as authorised or controlled by the institution's administration.

By Injustice posted 27 September 05

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A weekly round-up of what Australian cops gets up to

This week...

Another terror attack in Australia brings Tweeds Heads (NSW) to a standstill - police brake speed limit to get footy player to footy match - woman ends up dead because of police failure, according to coroner - corrupt corruption commissioner might end up in prison - 14 year old girl gets locked up by police unlawfully - ex-copper gets massive $650,000 pay-out.

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Dozens of businesses were evacuated, roads were closed for 7 hours, more than 100 workers were forced to leave their offices and traffic was diverted for most of the day.

The suspect device turned out to be harmless.

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WA Prisons: 'Pre Release Program' suspended?

"I have various times throughout my continuing, indefinite incarceration, felt as though I were a 'lone voice' in the middle of a screaming AFL Grand Final crowd."

A prisoner writes from Acacia Prison Wooraloo WA to Justice ACTION

Thank you for your most welcomed correspondence and the attachments of 06 July 2005, which I received this afternoon. I must also thank you for your previous correspondence of 31 May 2005.

The Prison Resource Kit contains a variety of information I am sure will be well read, thank you. I was quietly amused and agreeing with the poster illustrating imprisonment with the title,' Obedience To The Law is Freedom'. I think it is very apt, in my opinion, what constitutes 'The Law' is open to debate when it comes to 'Freedom'.

I am delighted to see that my previous letters have been accepted as material of interest and relevance by your organisation, and that this material has been put out there for inquisitive and interested eyes to see.

I was very much heartened by your kind comments and uplifting enthusiasm for issues that I am enthusiastic about also. I have various times throughout my continuing, indefinite incarceration, felt as though I were a 'lone voice' in the middle of a screaming AFL Grand Final crowd when it comes to issues of fairness and accountability in the justice system. I am pleased to understand that I am not alone in this regard.

I find it ironic and mildly sad in a way that I am under the control and care of a 'Department' that has the word 'Justice' in its title. Have I missed something? For the most part I understand that a multi faceted system beats to its own drum, and that 'Justice' is an objective most of the time, but I do feel sometimes that the drum isn't sounding out the right type of music.

Issues such as the decision by the Department Of Justice in Western Australia not to distribute the 'Just Us' periodic newspaper astound and concern me. To my knowledge, there is no equivalent publication that is already provided to prisoners in Western Australia.

On that note, at present I have received no further responses to my enquiries with the Department Of Justice relating to this matter, but I will keep you informed as I do.

I am also discussing the periodical Newsletter with people and suggesting that if they wish to be informed and to have their political voice heard, they may choose to write to Justice ACTION and have their details added to the Justice ACTION mailing list.

[Name suppressed for legal reasons because this prisoner was sent to prison at age 16]

I have recently commenced civil proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, in Perth. My case may be cited as [Prisoner] V Director General, Department Of Justice and Anor. XXX. XXX of 2005.

I have lodged a Writ of Habeas Corpus against the First Respondent, Director General, Department of Justice, and a Writ of Certiorari against the Second Respondent, the former Minister for Justice.

My first court appearance regarding these matters was on Thursday, 02 June 2005. This was an 'ex parte' hearing in Chambers before His honour Judge Blaxell. The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, 15 June 2005. I hope to present oral submissions and argument on this day.

I have prepared the legal documents myself, and I am representing myself in these proceedings. It has been suggested to me that due to the highly political nature of my case in the past, and the foreseeable future, finding legal representation in Perth is very difficult. But I take this difficulty in my stride, and I am only too aware that I am the only person who knows my case and my contentions clearly.

I have enclosed three documents for your perusal and information, which have been filed with the Court already. These documents are:

* Notice Of Originating Motion (Form 64) [6 Pages]
* Outline Of Submissions For A Writ Of Habeas Corpus And A Writ Of Certiorari And Order Nisi [17 pages]
* Applicant's Amended List Of Authorities For Hearing On Wednesday 15 June 2005 [8 pages]

I am confident that you with be able to understand the directions I will be leading to in argument. The ad hominem contention is of particular interest. As this is a civil action, the case citing, which includes my surname, has been printed in The West Australian newspaper's Court listing. As I noted previously, the case has been adjourned to Wednesday, 15 June 2005, and on this date I will ask the Court for a suppression order relating to my name (my identity), and future Court Listings. I will be seeking to invoke ss 35 and 36 of the Children's Court Of Western Australia Act 1988, for the order.

I am not sure if your organisation is aware of this, but there is presently an inquiry investigating the activities of the Department Of Justice, in connection with the placement and management of prisoners in Western Australian Prisons, and in the community.

There have been a number of incidents of late involving the Department Of Justice, and few high profile inmates, which have received a barrage of media and public interest. The Liberal Party in Opposition has also taken the opportunity to berate the Labor Government concerning these incidents.

As a result of these incidents 14 prisoners, including life sentenced prisoners and Governor's pleasure sentenced prisoners, having done nothing to warrant punishment, were removed from minimum-security prison farms to medium and maximum security facilities. These 14 prisoners had been participating in a program of graduated release into the community. This program is colloquially known as the 'Pre Release Program'.

In response to these incidents, on 05 April 2005, Western Australia's Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, signed a document that outlines the terms of reference of an 'independent' inquiry. The named inquiry is defined as: "INQUIRY INTO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WITH REGARD TO THE MANAGEMENT OF OFFENDERS IN CUSTODY AND IN THE COMMUNITY"

The Honourable Dennis Mahoney, a former New South Wales Supreme Court Judge, has been named as the Inquirer for this Inquiry.

All of this has occurred after the Labor Government was returned to office in February of this year.

The new Minister for Justice, Honourable John D'Orazio, who has relieved Honourable Michelle Roberts, former Minister for Justice, has been appointed the new 'overseer' of the 'troublesome' Justice Portfolio. Mr D'Orazio, a multiple victim of crime himself, in response to the incidents involving the Department Of Justice, has stated in various media reports words to the effect that his priorities are:

(a) Community safety
(b) Staff safety within the justice system
(c) And then we will look at the rehabilitation of prisoners

Life sentenced prisoners and Governor's pleasure sentenced prisoners, who were participating in approved Pre Release Programs, and prisoners who hoped to be commencing Pre Release Programs, have been told that there will be no Pre Release Programs until further notice (indefinite suspension), pending the outcome of the 'independent inquiry.

It has been suggested that this action, or inaction of behalf of the Department Of Justice, and the Labor Government, is a form of group punishment perpetrated towards life sentenced prisoners and Governor's pleasure sentence prisoners, in my opinion this is correct.

The concept of group punishment is from days of old. What is going on in Western Australia? On that note, I shall sign off for now, and turn to my extensive authorities list for my up and coming legal action. I hope that my efforts continue to be of assistance to Justice ACTION and I look forward to hearing from you again.

Kind Regards

By Just Us 4 August 05

Ed. Likewise my friend how you have grown in your knowledge and your wisdom from a 16-year-old boy into a fine scholar, from juvenile detention into adult prison, with a lot of knowledge to share with the community. God willing, people who make their first mistake in my opinion always deserve a second chance. A second chance to prove to the community and themselves that they can make it, so the community in turn will not diminish the standards of a human being so easily, after they have made their first mistake. Why? Because a human being is not infallible in the land of trial and error and people only learn by making a mistake. Some people make big mistakes and some people make small mistakes. Nevertheless it is a mistake when it's recognised but once that has occurred and a person has learned and has some insight into their offending behaviour that mistake is unlikely to occur ever again if 'treated properly' the first time.

But making your first mistake as a 'child' in our Wonderful Universe and then being incarcerated for it by the State 'indefinitely' is wrong and I think your case deserves special attention.

Surely there is an obligation by the Australian Constitution to grant you a second chance on the basis that you were a child when you committed your first offence and obviously did not have time to grow up before you tripped over and stubbed your toe on that rock that has been indefinitely tied around your neck ever since. Keep up the good work and let us know how you get on!

Every Best Wish

Harmful, Undeserved Punishment

US: Nearly five million American citizens are denied the right to vote - one of every 50 citizens. That includes 13 percent of all African-American men nationwide, up to almost twice that percentage in particular states and the majority of adults - black and white -- in some inner city neighborhoods.


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