Chester Street Uniting Earth Ministry Lacuna Group

Pine Gap Trial Update #4 - The Appeals

Posted: 31/07/2007



FROM CHRISTIAN PEACE ACTIVIST DONNA MULHEARN OF THE PINE GAP 4 
 
Dear friends,
 
It’s not over yet - it seems they really, really want to see us go to jail.
 
The Pine Gap 4 recently received a hand-delivered a document from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions informing us that they will appeal the leniency of our sentences in the Northern Territory Court of Criminal Appeal.
 
They listed nine grounds for the appeal pointing out our lack of contrition, saying the judge failed to have regard to the maximum penalties and that the imposition of fines was “manifestly inadequate”.
 
But that is not the only appeal. I have lodged an appeal against our conviction based on various points of law relating to the use of the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act and other matters that did not allow us to have a fair trial.  
So, the journey continues.
 
Things won’t happen fast, but we will keep you posted as it progresses.
 
In the meantime, below are links to excellent articles written by Pine Gap defendants Bryan Law and Jim Dowling that provide analysis and reflection on the trial and ideas for ‘where to next?’
 
Bryan has written this thoughtful de-brief article on Webdiary which makes a proposal about developing nonviolence capacity in Australia. 
 
 
He would appreciate people reading and circulating the article, and responding to it.
 
The details of the Crown's appeal against our sentence are here:
 
 
followed by a colourful personal reflection on the trial from Jim.
 
Democrats Senator for Queensland Andrew Bartlett links this appeal with the detention of Haneef and terror laws here: 
 
 
The Haneef fiasco, the hysterical APEC laws making peaceful protest virtually illegal, and this dogged pursuit of the Pine Gap 4 highlight the political and social crisis we find ourselves.
 
All the more reason to continue speaking the truth.
 
Let’s continue the discussion on how we can most effectively do this.
 
Peace to all
 
Donna Mulhearn
 
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