Doing time for Jabiluka mine
By Adam Nelson
DARWIN — Protests against Jabiluka uranium mine are intensifying with more than 390 arrests to date at the Jabiluka blockade. Ten activists have been remanded in Berrimah Prison. Many others have spent up to 48 hours in police lock-ups.
Tyrone Gibbs has been in custody for six weeks. Another nine protesters refused to sign bail conditions in solidarity with Gibbs, the Mirrar people and all who suffer the fallout of the nuclear fuel cycle.
The culture shock of being in maximum security remand, with its oppressive boredom and humiliating authority, was deepened by witnessing the outrageous 10:1 ratio of black to white Australians being held there. Some have been on remand for more than six months for minor property crimes. If convicted, they face the vindictive "mandatory sentencing" provisions introduced by the NT government.
Protesters have been generally well received by other inmates. Some have declared their support by signing an anti-mine petition and shaking our hands. Much to our relief, "the [top] man" of D Block told us "you protesters are OK". Compared to the experience of most inmates, such "protection" strangely mirrors our relatively privileged backgrounds.
It is difficult to know what going to jail achieved for the campaign; perhaps it will inspire others to greater opposition to this mine. Five days incarceration certainly strengthened my resolve to resist the nuclear industry and the NT government's repression of lawful dissent.
With so many protesters facing serious charges, including "criminal damage" and "damage to mines", and so few lawyers volunteering to defend them, a legal defence fund has been established. Please send donations to Jabiluka Legal Fund, Commonwealth Bank account 5901 10303 566.
Tyrone Gibbs would appreciate letters to help him through the next few weeks. Please write to him at Darwin Correctional Centre, PO Box 1407, Darwin, 0801.