This is Jay Larbalestier. He’s a friend of Violet Coco who narrowly escaped jail time for taking part in the same action as Violet.
Jay was fined $7,500 and put on intensive corrections order – which means if he’s caught so much as jaywalking, or associating with the others being charged in the action, he could be sent directly to prison.
Outside Violet’s bail hearing he said, “For those in power, this was the judicial system working exactly as intended. Protecting the right of those in extractive industries to continue to make obscene profits.
These corporations are continuing to pour profits into the pockets of both major parties. No matter which of them win power, these companies can be sure that the system will continue to work in their favour.”
Since the 1970s, oil and gas corps have made $78 trillion AUD in pure unearned profit.
Jay narrowly escaped imprisonment, but dozens more are facing up to 3 years prison in the coming months.
Democracy is at stake, we need to make our voices heard.
#ProtectProtest #DefendDissent #FreeVioletCoco