Members of Code Green, Pulp the Mill, The Wilderness Society, The Last Stand, Huon Valley Environment Centre and Still Wild Still Threatened will gather across the state today in a support vigil for incarcerated protestor Ali Alishah. The vigils will be held at Civic Square in Launceston and Parliament Lawns in Hobart at 12.30pm.
Mr Alishah appeared in court today after spending three weeks in remand on peaceful protest charge. Ali Alishah had his bail application denied and his case adjourned until 6 October. Ali will remain in Ron Barwick minimum security prison until then.
Environment groups and community members are coming together today to show support for Ali, and to call for the immediate protection of 572,000ha of native forest and an intervention in the construction of Gunns Ltd’s Tamar Valley pulp mill.
“While Forestry Tasmania is allowed to continue illegal logging in 430,000ha of native forests that have been set aside for complete conservation in the Intergovernmental Agreement, and while Gunns is allowed to continue with illegal works on the pulp mill site, Ali Alishah, a peaceful activist working against the destruction of Tasmania’s environment, is in jail” said Lucy Landon-Lane, spokesperson for Pulp the Mill.
“We have a situation in Tasmania where the law is re-written to suit Gunns and the law is totally ignored by Forestry Tasmania, while those who care deeply enough to take action against this corruption are incarcerated. Where is the justice in this?” said Ms Landon-Lane.
“Today we stand in solidarity with Ali Alishah and the many other Tasmanians who have stood up to defend our precious native forests. Ali’s peaceful actions were taken to highlight the continuing destruction of our forests, despite the promise of protection. These forests continue to fall, with logging still occurring within the area earmarked for reserves” said Still Wild Still Threatened spokesperson Miranda Gibson.
“Direct action is an individual’s right in the face of unjust or corrupted practices. Those who become aware of issues such as environmental destruction or political corruption are morally propelled to highlight it by the means of non-violent protest or action” Joanna Pinkiewicz, spokesperson for Code Green said.
“Ali’s peaceful actions and similar protests held by community members across the state, clearly show that Tasmanians have had enough of forest destruction. Today we are calling for the immediate formal protection of the 572,000 hectare reserve agenda. This is an opportunity for Tasmania to protect our unique ancient ecosystems, wildlife habitat areas, significant water catchments and large carbon stores” said Jenny Weber, spokesperson for the Huon Valley Environment Centre.
“Environmentally criminal acts continue to be perpetrated against our world-class forests, industrial-scale logging operations are ripping apart ancient forests that are supposedly under protection, and Ali Alishah, one of our most intelligent and dedicated citizens, is incarcerated in Risdon Prison right now for standing up and speaking out for Tasmania’s globally recognised forests. This is an absolute disgrace” said Ula Majewski, spokesperson for The Last Stand.
• The Examiner report:
Anti-mill protester refused bail
BY CALLA WAHLQUIST, COURT REPORTER
27 Sep, 2011 10:13 AM
AN anti-forestry protestor who allegedly chained himself to the bottom of a truck bringing earthmoving equipment on to the Gunns pulp mill site at Longreach will spent at least another nine days in custody.
Syed Ali Imran Alishah made an application for bail to the Launceston Magistrates Court via video link from Risdon Minimum Security Prison today.
He was refused by Magistrate Robert Pearce.
Mr Alishah was remanded in custody on September 6.
He is charged with breaching his bail conditions and committing a nuisance. He has not entered a plea.
Mr Alishah will appear in person before a Hobart Magistrates Court on October 6.
Protest group Code Green will hold a vigil for Mr Alishah at Launceston Civic Square at 12.30pm today.
