Support for G20 Protester Facing Trial

Maori activist and mother of three, Sina Brown-Davis, goes to trial before a jury in the Melbourne County Court today 2nd July 2009, on charges relating to protests against the G20 two and a half years ago in Melbourne.

She was demonstrating against the neo-colonialism of free trade agreements imposed on the Pacific. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations or PACER, is a free-trade agreement currently being pushed by Australia and New Zealand which will give unprecedented rights to foreign corporations, undermine indigenous land rights, and raise the cost of living.

Ms Brown-Davis plead not guilty on Tuesday to charges of riot and affray.

“The charges against Sina are part of a wider attack on dissent”, said Rayna Fahey from the G20 Support Network. “These charges are politically motivated and the case against her is over the top.”

Demonstrations in support of Ms Brown-Davis were held as she was being arraigned on Tuesday outside the Australian Consulate in Wellington NZ, and outside the Melbourne County Court.

ENDS

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