Farcical charges over Peace Convergence 07 Protest

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=283121  

Nude embrace lands protesters in court

Friday August 3, 2007

A group of 18 anti-war protesters have fronted a Central queensland court over a colourful demonstration during joint US-Australian military exercises in June. 

Their protests allegedly included playing Frisbee on an airstrip, climbing a cow fence and refusing to return, and dancing the Hokey Pokey at the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area on the Capricorn Coast.

Two were also arrested naked and embracing while shouting "make love, not war".

The group, comprising protesters from Melbourne, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, appeared before Yeppoon Magistrates Court yesterday charged with offences including public nuisance and trespass.

Two of the group, Brisbane nurse Carole Powell and social worker Jessica Morrison, pleaded guilty to one count each of trespassing on prohibited commonwealth land.

The remaining 16 pleaded not guilty and will appear in court again for a hearing mention on October 4.

Military police located Powell at 10.45am (AEST) on June 21 as she walked along a Shoalwater Bay airstrip with four other protesters during the Operation Talisman Sabre exercise.

She told police she rallied because she wanted to save lives and had seen the effects of war first hand through her job.

Morrison was arrested on military land after spending three days there. She argued her actions were morally right.

She was fined $400 while Powell was placed on a good behaviour bond.

©AAP 2007