A 70-Year-Old Peace Activist Arrested for Pro-Palestine Banner
A 70-year-old peace activist has been arrested and charged with possessing a “From the River to the Sea” banner, sparking debate over freedom of speech and hate speech laws in Queensland. Jim Dowling, from Ocean View, is set to appear in court tomorrow under new legislation that criminalizes the use of this pro-Palestine expression.
The incident occurred in March when Mr. Dowling was arrested during a protest outside Boeing’s headquarters in Brisbane. The company, which produces aircraft parts and military equipment, including items sold to Israel, became the target of his demonstration. Mr. Dowling held a banner reading: “From the River to the Sea, Brisbane will be free of Boeing.”
He expressed his belief that the new laws suppress freedom of speech and political communication. “I’ve been arrested a number of times for free speech, starting in 1978 under the Joh Bjelke-Petersen regime,” he said. “This is even more bizarre than Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s days. Banning the words ‘From the River to the Sea’ is purely insane, in my opinion.”
The Queensland government has labeled the phrase as antisemitic. A spokesperson for the Queensland Police Service confirmed the case would go before the Magistrates Court. “Police have charged a man following a protest at an Albert Street address in Brisbane City on 18 March,” the spokesperson stated. “The man has since been issued with a Notice to Appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 14 April for the offence of recital, distribution, publication or display of prohibited expressions.”
Mr. Dowling’s son, Franz Dowling, was also targeted by police for displaying a similar banner. His sign read: “From the River to the Sea, Come get us Crisafulli.” However, Franz’s charges were dropped, and he received only a warning.
Laws on Shaky Ground, Expert Says
University of Queensland public policy professor Katharine Gelber believes these laws are likely to face challenges in the High Court. She argues that the legislation is unlikely to withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Professor Gelber explained that the law allows for arrests if the phrases “River to the Sea” and “Globalise the Intifada” are deemed to “menace, harass, or offend.” However, she pointed out that harassment and offense are already covered under civil law and are broadly defined.
Additionally, she raised concerns about the criminalization of specific phrases potentially violating Australia’s implied freedom of political communication. “I think the law is extremely vulnerable to a constitutional challenge on a couple of grounds,” she said. “There is no doubt at all that in the context in which we are … that these phrases constitute political communication.”
Key Points
- Jim Dowling, a 70-year-old peace activist, was arrested for holding a “From the River to the Sea” banner.
- The banner was displayed during a protest against Boeing, a company that supplies military equipment to Israel.
- The Queensland government considers the phrase antisemitic, leading to legal action against Mr. Dowling.
- His son, Franz Dowling, was also targeted but had his charges dropped.
- Experts like Professor Katharine Gelber believe the law could face constitutional challenges due to its potential infringement on free speech.
