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Email from Liz Ingham - Thursday 19 August 2004 -------- Original Message --------
Landmark case for forest justice 19th Aug 04 Greens call for inquiry into police inaction
The 13 plaintiffs took legal action after the CFMEU set up a picket line around their camp in the Otways. Justice David Ashley awarded damages of $131 000 for the intentional harm caused to them during five days of intimidation. "This is a landmark decision for the right of conservationists to camp and to protest peacefully in the forests," Senator Brown said. "The real question is why the police did not take action in the first place when this matter was brought to their attention, including arresting and charging those involved. "This warrants an explanation from the Minister and an independent inquiry. "This court finding breaks the pattern of violent assaults against peaceful protesters in forests around the country and sends a strong warning to the CFMEU and its leaders that violence will not be tolerated. "It is now up to the CFMEU to condemn the violence and guarantee that peaceful conservation protests will never again be harassed in such a way," said Senator Brown. Senator Brown congratulated the 13 plaintiffs and their legal team for their courage, not only during the original confrontation, but for taking the case to court under great pressure when the police failed to uphold the law. What
is the UBAG?
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