Peaceful public assembly is not unlawful in NSW. Capsicum spray is intended to be used as a ‘last resort’ for police. Instead, it’s increasingly used as ‘crowd control’ at peaceful protest events, in a clear breach of police’ guidelines. 

Draconian bail conditions that prohibit people from contacting their closest friends, prohibit travel and compel people to share the contents of their phone to police on demand are now common place. The limits imposed on citizens freedom of movement and association and the abrogation of our rights to privacy are grossly disproportionate to the ‘crime’: attending a rally.

The right to peaceful assembly must be protected and defended. We must continue to condemn and resist regressive legal changes and over-policing.

Read the full article here.