Police ban activists from weapons expo zone even those without protest plans
Twelve activists, including some without protest plans, were banned from Perth weapons expo security zone under new WA legislation.
WA police banned at least 12 activists from entering a security zone around the Land Forces weapons expo, which begins October 6 at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ban uses powers from legislation passed last month.
Defying it carries a $36,000 fine and three years in prison. Activists Matilda Lane-Rose, 22, and Will Shanahan, 18, are preparing a judicial review.
Lane-Rose works for Greens MP Sophie McNeill and said she had no plans to attend the protest before the ban was announced. McNeill accused the government of targeting peaceful activists.
"These powers were supposed to be for people with propensity to commit violence," she said. "Instead, they've targeted peaceful activists who didn't even plan to be here."
Land Forces is Australia's largest weapons expo. Exhibitors include Israeli companies criticised for enabling alleged war crimes in Gaza.
- October 6 at Perth Convention Centre
- Expo starts
- $36,000 fine and 3 years prison
- Penalty for defying
Why it mattersBroad protest bans set a precedent for restricting civil liberties, people can be prohibited from public areas for their politics, not their actions.
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