PRESS RELEASE

Rusty's 13th court appearance and Free Hemp Awareness Festival in Byron Bay

Sniffer dog resistance hero Rusty Harris will make his 13th appearance before Byron Bay Local Court next Thursday, 23 October. An all-day Free Hemp Awareness Festival will be held in Railway Park to coincide with the court appearance.

Mr Harris has been in court 12 times over the past two-and-a-half years, defending himself against three charges relating to a police sniffer dog search and his arrest on 9 March, 2001, outside the former Fast Eddies café in Johnston St, Byron Bay.

Since Mr Harris' last court appearance in Byron on 10 July, police have dropped two of the charges: of having a knife, which was 3cm long and on a key ring, and being in possession of money alleged to be stolen. Rusty was about to use the money to buy a water alkaline and ionising machine for healing purposes.

At next week's appearance, Mr Harris, represented by solicitor Ralph James, will continue to challenge the legality and manner of the sniffer dog search and the evidence of snigger dog handler Snr Constable Colleen Bolton. Mr Harris says police did not identify themselves before the sniffer dog search, and will argue the dog lifting his testicles was a 'trespass on his person'.

"Under the NSW Labor Government we have seen the overriding of a court finding in Sydney that the use of sniffer dogs constituted an illegal search," said Mr Harris, a primary producer from Barkers Vale.

He and his supporters will be protesting against sniffer dog searches which they say are a violation of basic civil liberties and human rights. There have been no sniffer dog searches by police in the Byron Bay area since Mr Harris began contesting the legality of the searches.

"The police claim they are only doing their job, but our experience is that these operations create more harm than they reduce, and that the police have other motives and are selective in who they search," Mr Harris said.

"We say that the real intention is to intimidate and criminalise people and to create fodder for their Drug War jails. We say the sniffer dog searches select the 'soft' targets of the poor and the marginalised.

" At every court appearance to date a rally has been held in support of Rusty Harris, to protest against the use of sniffer dogs and support the re-legalisation of hemp. Past rallies have been well attended, colourful and peaceful protests with music, dancing, and a feeling of solidarity.

"With each court adjournment, the support for me and the cause has grown, and so too the circles and networks of friendships," Mr Harris said.

The Free Hemp Awareness Festival to coincide with Rusty's 13th court appearance will be held in Railway Park Byron Bay from 9.30am till sunset.

This promises to be the biggest rally yet, with bands to include Earth Reggae, One 4 One, Monkey and the Fish, and Bo Kaan, as well as Bundjalung dancers and more. The event will also be supported by the Chai Tent providing free chai and cakes, as well as various stalls and hemp exhibitions.

Media contact: Hemp Embassy in Nimbin Ph: 66 891842 or email Rusty rusty@nimbinaustralia.com

How can I help? Click here.

This was round 13 of Rusty versus Sniffer dogs and the case was heard on Thursday October 23rd 2003. The decision was made to move the case to Lismore Couthouse on 12th February 2004 for a final hearing.

Round 14: Free Bundjalung: Sniffer Dog Protest: Hemp Awareness Festival:
Pritchard Park Lismore. February 12th 2004.

Be There
Be Free

Om,
Rusty