News from the Independence from America Rally

60 strong protestors gathered peacefully on the docks on Saturday 4th July to oppose the visit by the USS George Washington warships and call for peace and the end of nuclear weapons.

Organizer of the rally, Ms Kerrie-Ann Garlick said “it’s a great turn out of people for a rally that was only called 2 days ago.  It clearly demonstrates that the people of Fremantle and surrounding areas are concerned about the nuclear warships being in our region”.

The group holding banners and signs, quietly made their presence and opposition felt while former senator Jo Vallentine approached passers by to discuss the issues and have them understand why the protestors were there.

“While we would like to welcome individual Americans and to celebrate their Independence Day with them, we cannot condone nuclear powered, and possibly nuclear armed warships, bringing their military might into our jurisdiction,” said Jo Vallentine, spokesperson for People for Nuclear Disarmament (PND)

Over zealous task force officers thought the senior citizen with a peace flag talking to people was too disruptive and began to place arbitrary restrictions on where she could or could not go within the car park outside E shed markets.

Ms Vallentine was then issued with a move on notice. When she quietly and peacefully refused to leave 10 minutes later she was arrested and taken to Fremantle Police Station.

Jo Vallentine has been arrested for breaching the peace for exercising her democratic right to voice concerns about the Talisman Sabre war games that the ships will participate in later this month in Queensland.