Bankstown City Council moves to shut up freedom of speech
Bankstown City council is trying to compromise the right to freedom of speeech by demanding from the Social Justice Group to remove all its signs and posters from Bankstown area. In a letter signed by Mr Marc Skinner, a ranger in the council, he informed the group that Bankstown council does not permit “this type of advertising”.
When the spkesperson for the group tried to contact Mr Skinner, he was not available to explain. His colleauges said that the council does not permit any kind of adevrtising in the area.
“I was not given a chance to ask how come other political parties’ signs were dispalyed in the area. One of these signs was hanging on an electrical pole for the last 4 years, since the last election. The council’s rangers could not locate that sign, but they were quick to locate our signs in less than a week.”
“It is very clear that the orders to request us, in very strong words including threats of legal actions, came from high ranks in the council. Our posters are in dispaly next to other advertsments for dancing parties, new-released perfumes and visiting singers. Those advertisemnts were in public places for weeks. It is clear that no ranger demanded their removals,” added Mr Daoud.
This is not the first threat the group has recieved to stop its political campaign. The spokesperson recieved few indirect threats, through emails, of possible legal action against the group if it continues with its campaign.
It is alarming that the council is trying to influence freedom of speech by trying to limit the group’s ability to reach voters on a grassroots level.
The group believes that these threats are made after the good response to our campaign from the voters and the possibility of some political parties lossing some seats.
The Social Justice group is waiting for Mr Skinner call to explain the legal aspects of the matter. Meanwhile, it will seek legal advice to respond to the council’s threats. At the same time, it will continue its campaign among the voters.
For media interviews, you can contact Jamal Daoud on 0413 467 367
When the spkesperson for the group tried to contact Mr Skinner, he was not available to explain. His colleauges said that the council does not permit any kind of adevrtising in the area.
“I was not given a chance to ask how come other political parties’ signs were dispalyed in the area. One of these signs was hanging on an electrical pole for the last 4 years, since the last election. The council’s rangers could not locate that sign, but they were quick to locate our signs in less than a week.”
“It is very clear that the orders to request us, in very strong words including threats of legal actions, came from high ranks in the council. Our posters are in dispaly next to other advertsments for dancing parties, new-released perfumes and visiting singers. Those advertisemnts were in public places for weeks. It is clear that no ranger demanded their removals,” added Mr Daoud.
This is not the first threat the group has recieved to stop its political campaign. The spokesperson recieved few indirect threats, through emails, of possible legal action against the group if it continues with its campaign.
It is alarming that the council is trying to influence freedom of speech by trying to limit the group’s ability to reach voters on a grassroots level.
The group believes that these threats are made after the good response to our campaign from the voters and the possibility of some political parties lossing some seats.
The Social Justice group is waiting for Mr Skinner call to explain the legal aspects of the matter. Meanwhile, it will seek legal advice to respond to the council’s threats. At the same time, it will continue its campaign among the voters.
For media interviews, you can contact Jamal Daoud on 0413 467 367
No comments:
Post a Comment