By Anthony Benbow
and Anne Pavy
Perth — Community opposition is growing to the WA police "Operation Sweep", which, under the pretence of defending young people "in moral danger", is harassing them on the street at night.
The socialist youth organisation Resistance held a speak-out in Perth's James Street Mall and a protest march through Northbridge on March 26.
Many of the 100 young people at the demonstration spoke out against the police methods. Some brought up the fact that the police have a few "moral danger" issues of their own referring to recent motor accidents involving police under the influence of drink.
The march was lively and spirited, chanting "Young people have the right to be on the streets at night".
The march proceeded peacefully, but the police escort became increasingly aggressive, threatening to break up the march. When the demonstrators returned to the mall and attempted to continue the speak-out, the police demanded it be stopped instantly.
Although this contradicted the council permit, and the marchers were well off the roadway, the organisers decided to comply.
They were dismantling the public address system when the police suddenly arrested a person filming the event. As the crowd surrounded the car, demanding to know why the arrest was made, several more police cars and paddy wagons roared into James Street with lights and sirens on full blast.
Six more were arrested, mostly young people but also a person who had come along only to operate the PA system.
One woman was taken to hospital with an injured arm. Two of the people arrested were conversing in Spanish (their native language) in the back of a van, and were told by a sergeant not to do so, or they would be charged.
Speaking at press conference, Resistance member Anne O'Callaghan said it was clearly the aggressiveness of the police that provoked the incident, as the crowd was peaceful until the first arrest. "Other protests here received none of this treatment. You cannot help but draw the conclusion that the police will not tolerate any criticism of their operation."
At fiery public meeting on March 23 in Fremantle organised by the local council, 200 people crowded into council chambers to voice their opinions and question police and youth workers about "Operation Sweep".
Discussion lasted for nearly two hours. Most people spoke against the operation, and voted heavily in favour of motions to end it. Young people there spoke out against the treatment they received from police.
The campaign looks set to continue. More information can be obtained from Resistance by phoning (09) 227 7367.