#Drop the Prosecutions

Thanks to Alan Moir for the use of his brilliant cartoon

Australians from all walks of life are ashamed and angry when they learn that the Australian Government spied on the East Timorese Government offices during oil and gas negotiations in 2004, under the guise of implementing an Australian aid program.

This act of spying cannot be justified as protecting Australia’s defence or security interests. It was a deceitful act performed against an impoverished trading partner where both sides had promised “good faith” negotiations.

It was espionage aimed at gaining commercial benefit on behalf of resource companies to the disadvantage of the people of East Timor––our close neighbour, loyal ally in World War II, and the poorest country in South East Asia. It has damaged Australia’s reputation for honest and fair dealings with our neighbours.

This activity may have remained secret but for the courage and integrity of one of the spies, “Witness K”, and his lawyer, Bernard Collaery. These men acted in good faith at a time when our government failed to do so. They bravely stood up to government wrongdoing. The Australian government commenced prosecutions against them in May 2018, without explanation.

Internationally accepted minimum standards for fair trials are challenged by the numerous hearings held since charges were laid, constant delays and postponements, strict secrecy provisions concerning evidence, and frequent closures of the court to the public. All of this is claimed to be required by national security.

These dubious prosecutions threaten the rights and values of every Australian.

The Attorney-General has the power to discontinue the prosecutions under the Judiciary Act 1903 – Section 71. 
We call on him to drop the prosecutions of Witness K and Bernard Collaery immediately.

Add your name to the Petition to DROP THE PROSECUTIONS
https://www.change.org/p/christian-porter-drop-the-charges-against-bernard-collaery-witness-k

Please consider supporting Bernard Collaery’s GoFundMe campaign at
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-bernard-collaery

Authorised by Coalition of Supporters of Bernard Collaery and Witness K
www.bernardcollaerysupporters.org    www.justly.info

Authorised by Sister Susan Connelly
Timor Sea Justice Forum
[email protected]