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Forum organizers unite in support of Scott Parkin
Melbourne, 11 September 2005: The organisers of a public forum at which detained peace activist Scott Parkin was due to speak on the day of his detention have condemned the actions of Federal authorities and vowed to support efforts to uphold his civil liberties.
Spokespeople for Friends of the Earth Melbourne, Forest Action Trust, and Pt'chang Nonviolent Community Safety Group say they are baffled and extremely concerned at the decision to arrest and deport Mr Parkin. Scott was detained on Saturday and is facing deportation from Australia. The groups say they believe that this is a result of his involvement in protests and community education against the Iraq war.
Scott was detained by Federal Police and Immigration Officers while travelling to an event organised jointly by the three groups, entitled "Bringing Down the Pillars: People Power Strategies and Direct Action". He has not been charged with any crime.
"We had invited Scott to speak on his experience as a peace activist working with Houston Global Awareness, a grassroots organisation with a clear commitment to nonviolence," said Iain Murray of Pt’chang.
"The impending deportation deepens community concerns about the proposed new anti-terror laws. The deportation of a peace activist from Australia highlights the potential for government abuse of the new powers contained in the terror laws particularly against people who speak out against government policy," said Cam Walker of Friends of the Earth.
While in Australia Scott has been involved in community education and anti-war protests including street theatre ourside the Sydney offices of KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton, a giant US corporation with close ties to the Bush administration that is profiting from the war in Iraq.
"The Howard government chose to participate in the illegal war in Iraq, which was based on false and misleading information, and now they are arresting, vilifying and deporting the very people who are speaking the truth about the situation," said Lauren Caulfield of Forest Action Trust.
"It is deeply concerning that a peace advocate would be targeted by ASIO officials and government departments. This is a clear attempt to silence opposition to war in Iraq and to the corporations that profit from violence" said Cam Walker.
"We strongly support Scott at this difficult time and we will assist him in whatever way we can."