Monday, January 30, 2006

Human rights lawyer Bernard Collaery has told the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Supreme Court that a ban on Falun Gong demonstrations outside the Chinese Embassy is threatening the right of ordinary Australians to protest against the death penalty.

The spiritual group started legal action against Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer in August last year.

Mr Downer has been issuing monthly certificates prohibiting loud music and banners by the group protesting near the Chinese Embassy.

The lawyer for the spiritual movement, Bernard Collaery, told the court the fundamental concept of freedom of expression was under threat and that Australian families wanting to protest against a death sentence could be affected.

The court heard that Mr Downer has not complied with court orders to provide evidence, delaying the matter for four months.