This is really disturbing …

This is a really disturbing article indicating that indigenous protesters are being strip searched.

Aborigines seek strip search law change

Aborigines have been protesting against the roadworks which they say will destroy ancient artefacts. (ABC News)

Map: Brighton 7030 The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre wants laws changed to stop the strip searching of protesters who they say were arrested for trying to protect their heritage.

The group has contacted the Attorney-General Lara Giddings in relation to the strip-searching of five Aboriginal women arrested at the Brighton Bypass site.

One of those women, Sara Maynard, says Ms Giddings has refused to speak to the protesters.

Ms Maynard says that is disappointing as laws need to be changed to protect protesters from the humiliation of a strip search.

“Just expressing your views and protesting and might I add a peaceful protest and then being subjected to a strip search in the Hobart Remand Centre that’s just outrageous, what has taking my clothes off got to do with just having a peaceful protest,” she said.

The Attorney-General’s office has referred Ms Maynard to the Corrections Minister who has jurisdiction over strip searches. ABC Online HERE

Twenty one protesters were arrested at Beaconsfield and none of us were strip searched. Not sure re ancestry of protestors as it’s not relevant to our anti-mill protest.

In Hobart 57 of us were arrested and again no strip searches.

Why have these 5 aboriginal female protesters been treated in this way? Surely this is an example of discrimination or stereotyping being alive and well in Tasmania.

Are people as appalled as me?

STRIP-SEARCH CONCERNS UNDERLINE NEED FOR BILL OF RIGHTS
Tim Morris MP
Acting Leader

The Tasmanian Greens today acknowledged that there are widespread concerns about strip-searching by authorities, and said that the proposed Tasmanian Bill of Rights could provide a mechanism to address these concerns.

Greens Acting Leader Tim Morris MP said during the past decade individuals and organisations have raised concerns with the Greens about the random and subjective nature of strip-searches, and it is increasingly apparent that reform is required.

Mr Morris also said the Greens have spent ten years pushing for a Bill of Rights in Tasmania, a move that is now on the Attorney-General’s agenda, and are confident that issues such as this can be addressed through that process.

“The Greens acknowledge that strip-searches have evolved from significant reviews within Australia’s Justice system, but we share the concerns of many individuals and organisations over the apparent random and subjective selection of detainees to be forwarded for further processing that involves this invasive procedure.”

“The Greens have spent years pushing for a Bill of Rights, which is now also on the Attorney-General’s agenda, and which we believe should lead to a consistent approach to protecting civil rights across all Government Departments.”