The Queer Avengers will hold a protest at the Australian Embassy in Wellington tonight in solidarity with action in Sydney over allegations of police brutality at Mardi Gras. Outrage has spread across the Tasman over a video shot just after the parade, which shows handcuffed teenager Jamie Jackson being thrown to the ground by a police officer, who is then seen standing on his back. Police claim he had used offensive language. Jamie Jackson was thrown to the ground while handcuffed In a second incident, gay rights campaigner Bryn Hutchinson has also complained that up to five police held him down and kicked him, after he ignored their instructions to not cross a road. Police have launched investigations into both incidents. Kassie Hartendorp , a spokesperson for Wellington-based group the Queer Avengers, says police brutality is obscene “Whether at Mardi Gras, in the Northern Territory or the Torres Strait. We stand in solidarity with all who face police brutality internationally.” Hartendorp says police brutality further reinforces the marginalisation of queers, and other oppressed groups. The group is also against internal inquests being held. “Just like the army here, the Australian police have an incentive to protect their own,” Hartendorp says. “Any alternative will have to be community-directed.” The Queer Avengers will be protesting outside the Australian Embassy at 6PM today, in solidarity with a protest action in Sydney. In Sydney, protestors will march from Taylor Square in Darlinghurst to the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills tonight, to demand an external investigation, apologies and compensation.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 8th March 2013 - 11:50am