media release put out Tues 12 June following release of Ombudsman report by
S11 legal team
Media Release
12 June 2001
Ombudsman report a whitewash
Legal representatives for the s11 protesters expressed their disappointment
and concern at the Victoria Ombudsman's report into the World Economic
Forum protesters.
The Victorian Ombudsman handed his initial report to State parliament today
stating that actions of the Victoria Police were "reasonably open to police
in the circumstances?With the exception of individual acts of misconduct I
am of the view that punitive action [against police] is inappropriate and
not warranted."
Damien Lawson, Western Suburbs Legal Service, said today, "This is a sad
day for democracy in Victoria. The Ombudsman has said that the use of
batons to beat people expressing their democratic right to protest is
justified."
"Dr Perry has given a green light to the Victoria Police to use excessive
and unlawful use force against peace protesters or picket lines in the future."
"Despite the overwhelming evidence of the planned use of force against
protesters, over the three days, Dr Perry failed to criticise the use of
paramilitary tactics by Victoria police command."
Pauline Spencer, Fitzroy Legal Service, continued, "Once again the system
of police accountability in this state has been shown to be ineffective.
People injured by police will now be forced to find justice in the courts."
"Dr Perry has done the Victoria police a disservice. This should have been
an opportunity to move away from the paramilitary policing that Victoria
Police are infamous for. Instead this practice has been condoned."
"However, Victorian citizens will form their own judgement, based not just
on the report but the evidence of their own eyes. Tens of thousands of
people who saw the actions of the police on television, or who had families
and friends injured will not accept the Ombudsman's conclusions."
For more information and comment:
Damien Lawson: 0418 140 387
Pauline Spencer: 0417 741 538
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