[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_2nd Violent & Cowardly Attack on Forest Protestors_T Morris MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

SECOND VIOLENT AND DANGEROUS ATTACK MADE ON PEACEFUL FOREST ACTIVISTS
 
Tim Morris MP
Greens Shadow Police spokesperson

Friday, 24 October 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today have described as deeply alarming reports
that the Still Wild-Still Threatened forest activist camp in the
Florentine has been subjected to a second violent attack in the space of
one week, this time involving the torching of vehicles and an
information display booth being set on fire late last night.

Greens Shadow Police spokesperson and Member for Lyons, Tim Morris MP,
said that it is imperative that Police act swiftly to investigate this
recent attack, and that a loud message is needed from the government and
the forestry industry representatives that states unequivocally that
violence, and intimidation is not acceptable, and that these attacks
must cease.

"The violence being perpetrated against peaceful forest activists is
escalating with this latest very dangerous, outrageous and cowardly
attack," Mr Morris said.

"A swift and thorough police investigation is imperative to send a loud
message that such actions are considered unacceptable by the community,
and that perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law."

"As we've previously warned, mixed messages, as we've already seen by
the likes of forestry industry representatives that seek to blame the
victims of these violent attacks, can reinforce in some people's mind
that it is OK to vilify and target with violence a section of the
community, and senior forestry representatives must issue an unequivocal
statement that violence and intimidation is unacceptable, with no buts,
and no excuses."

"The Tasmanian Greens congratulate these courageous young people and
their determination to continue their peaceful campaign to draw
attention to the ongoing wilful destruction of our magnificent native
forests, especially in light of this appalling violent behaviour," Mr
Morris said.




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