More than 100 Australian rights groups and leading activists on Monday pilloried "outrageous" and "repressive" anti-protest laws used to jail a climate protester for 15 months for blocking traffic.

Lamenting "increasing repression", groups including Amnesty International and workers unions signed an open letter slamming the jailing of "peaceful climate activists" and demanded reform.

The letter was prompted by the sentencing of Deanna 'Violet' Coco earlier this month, following a protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Coco parked a rental truck on the famed bridge, climbed on the roof and lit a distress flare, blocking one lane for about 25 minutes.

She pled guilty to several offences and was sentenced to up to 15 months in jail, with a possibility of parole after eight months.

The verdict was praised by conservative Australian politicians -- including her uncle, a state minister.

But UN special rapporteur Clement Voule said he was "alarmed" at the prison term and denial of bail before an appeal takes place in March.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the protest had been an "inconvenience" for Sydneysiders and the jailing was "pleasing to see".

Coco will return to court on Tuesday to try to get the bail ruling overturned.

"The vast majority of Australians across the political spectrum support, and voted for, strong action on climate," the letter from 170 rights groups and prominent activists states.

"People should not be concerned they could risk heavy penalties simply for taking to the streets."

Related Links
Dirt, rocks and all the stuff we stand on firmly

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Smog-hit Pakistan city cuts school days to protect pupils
Lahore, Pakistan (AFP) Dec 7, 2022
Pakistan's smog-hit Lahore will close schools for two days a week to protect children's health, with the city on Wednesday clocking in as the world's most polluted according to a global air quality index. Hospitals have warned of an influx of patients suffering from breathing problems as well as eye and throat irritation as a result of the grey blanket of smog that engulfs the city. Air quality in the city of more than 11 million is consistently among the world's worst, and on Wednesday its pol ... read more