Police Visits to Activists’ Homes

QCCL President Michael Cope, today called upon Queensland police to cease their activities in support of the New South Wales police operation Strike Force Guard III

The QCCL is deeply concerned by reports of Queensland police at the request of New South Wales police visiting the homes of environmental activists ahead of the International Mining and Resources conference. Some of those visited are reported as saying that they have never been arrested for protesting and don’t know why they were visited.

“It is very concerning that it appears that armed members of the Queensland Police counterterrorism unit are visiting protesters in their homes in an apparent attempt to intimidate them.”

The QCCL considers this type of police tactic to be entirely unacceptable. Every Australian has a right to freedom of speech and freedom of protest. It is the tactic of authoritarian regimes the world over to have armed police officers visit a person’s home to attempt to dissuade them from exercising their legitimate right to freedom of speech and freedom of protest.

“The QCCL today calls upon the police to respect the right of these protesters to exercise their clear and legitimate rights.”

“It is appalling the Queensland police officers apparently see it as part of their duty to try to stop people from exercising their legitimate political rights, even in another State. We call upon the Police Commissioner to put an immediate stop to this activity.”

For further information contact Michael Cope President QCCL on 07 3223 5939 during office hours and at all times on 0432 847 154 

2 November 2022