Legal Observers NSW

Five legal observers were arrested at the Rising Tide protest in Newcastle this weekend while carrying out their role. We demand that all charges are immediately dropped against the observers and that NSW Police respect the role of legal observer. Read our full statement below.

Several legal observers were obstructed from observing police and were assaulted by police. We call for all charges against the protestors to be dropped and the repeal of repressive anti-protest laws.

NSW Police used excessive force against protestors, have charged several arrestees with the draconian anti-protest laws, applied repressive bail conditions, and harrassed and surveilled people picking up cars for arrestees.

LONSW fielded a team of observers at last night's protest at Port Botany. We are horrified by the violent tactics NSW Police used against protestors. If you have footage or a statement you would like to share with us, please email them to legalobserversnsw@protonmail.com.

NSW Council for Civil Liberties, @humanrightsHRLC @OurDemocracyAU are deeply concerned about the heavy-handed police repression of a peaceful protest near Port Botany yesterday evening. Read our statement here #protestprotest nswccl.org.au/joint_statemen…

Be mindful of what you bring with you and protect your phone and your data from police surveillance. Wearing a mask is good practice for Covid safety and also makes it harder for facial recognition software to work.

If you are attending the Block the Boat protest in Sydney tonight be aware of your safety and the safety of others. Be prepared for rain.

LONSW will have a team of legal observers at the Block the Boat protest in Sydney tonight. Come and grab a bustcard from us and brush up on your rights while protesting.

NSW Police continues to use dangerous and escalatory tactics in the policing of protests and criminalising individuals engaging in democratic political action.

Indo Pacific 2023 expo attendees punched two protestors in the face in view of police. Police took no action to protect the protestors. Indeed, officers chased down and used excessive force on two protestors as they were attempting to leave the protest.

LONSW has reviewed footage and witness statements of the policing of protest gatherings outside the Indo Pacific 2023 naval defence expo this week. We are deeply concerned by the biased and intimidatory policing of these gatherings and the charges that have followed

@fahad_s_ali Hi Fahad, have pm'd you about some rights resources we could contribute.