Court ‘ups ante’ over island war protesters

KIM WATERS
GEELONG’S court has “upped the ante” on punishing Afghanistan war protestors, according to peace activists demonstrating at Queenscliff this week.
Anti-war activists Paul Ellis and David Heller fronted Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday on charges of obstructing the path of a driver and hindering police.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jackie Davis said officers arrested the pair at 5.45am Wednesday after they joined others in a blockade at the front of Queenscliff’s Swan Island military base.
Sen Const Davis said police physically removed the men three times before arresting them.
Thirty-eight-year-old Belgrave resident Heller, a bushland management contractor with four similar prior convictions, told the court he was “campaigning for a more-peaceful world”.
Ellis, 26, a teacher from Warragul, said he was “appalled” the war in Afghanistan had continued so long.
Magistrate Ron Saines convicted and fined Heller $400 and fined Ellis $400 without conviction.
“The court acknowledges that both of you are entitled to your opinions,” Mr Saines said.
“Each of you is entitled to participate in civil disobedience.
“You are here in court today because of hindering Victoria Police.”
Outside court fellow protestors labelled the sentencing “a bit harsh”.
One protestor, who did not want to be identified, said the court had “clearly upped the ante” after four other protestors were discharged without penalty earlier in the week.
Ellis said this week’s court decisions would fail to deter the group from continuing its week-long morning blockades of the military base.
“We understand there are consequences to being involved in this kind of action but today’s result reinforces the importance of being involved.
“The SAS activities at Swan Island need to be publicised – at the moment it’s like a hidden secret.