MEDIA RELEASE Friday 22 July:

BRYAN LAW and GRAEME DUNSTAN held in custody for damaging ATTACK HELICOPTER

PROBABLY CHARGES

-BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

-QUOTES

Contact Spokesperson: Margaret Pestorius 0403214422

Bryan Law 57 from Cairns Peace by Peace and Graeme Dunstan, 67 of Peace Bus have both been arrested and placed in custody after being allegedly involved with damaging a Tiger attack helicopter at Rockhampton airport yesterday.

They have been charged with 4 and 5 different offenses respectively. They will face court today, Friday, 22nd July.

The Charges will most probably be as follows

3 Wilful Trespass [different Commonwealth Acts]

1.Wilful Damage of a chain to gain entry

2. Wilful Damage under the Aviation Transport Security Act

3. Wilful Damage under the Crimes Act [Commonwealth] Section 29

1 Possession of Tainted Property [That is property used to commit a crime]

Regarding

1. a garden implement

2. bolt cutters

3. a camera

1 Breaking a Bail undertaking not to go near the Rockhampton airport [Bryan Law]

Bryan is relatively well and pleased that he was able to carry out a strong act of disarmament that signals his abhorrence for Australia’s ongoing involvement in overseas wars.

“I can sleep with myself and with my conscience during this abominable war. The Tiger helicopter is a malicious weapon – the same sort of attack helicopter as the Apache gunship the US’ers use. The main cause of civilian deaths is when helicopters misfire on civilians when searching out ‘insurgents’ in operations – this is why I chose this helicopter.”

The Tiger helicopter is worth $40 milllion: only 2/3 what Australian taxpayers spend EACH DAY on military equipment, operations and personnel.

Bryan had previously said that he would target a US helicopter, but the US has hidden their machinery away from the public eye during this TS11 – even Samuel Hill airbase has not been used for aircraft. This seems to be a direct response to the threat of protest intervention.

A mattock was chosen to evoke the imagery of Isaiah – that we should turn swords into ploughshares. The mattock is a garden tool that is usually used to prepare the soil for planting and new growth.

Graeme has been charged as an associate in the act and therefore with the same offenses.

Above all, both hope that others will find inspiration in their actions and seek their own ways of directly resisting this permanent state of war that Australia finds itself in.

Both are seasoned nonviolent and community activists. Graeme is a military veteran having trained at Duntroon. Graeme has been leading the Peace Convergence by sewing colourful flags, building lanterns and banners as a back drop for all nonviolent actions and protests that have been held.

Graeme’s flags and supporters will be at the court for visuals and for interviews.

Spokesperson Margaret Pestorius –  margaret@cairnspeacebypeace.org 0403214422


BACK GROUND INFORMATION

You can see Graeme Dunstan’s website at
www.peacebus.com

See Bryan’s website at
www.cairnspeacebypeace.org

see especially : Why a Ploughshares Action in Rockhampton
and Letter to Bishop Brian Heenan

YOUTUBE (2 mins) Bryan Law & Graeme Dunstan Charged - Choppers Moved, Prime Minister Comments

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvAcPURwYko&feature=related