![[image: raised fist through bars]](prison5.gif)
Dennis Bruce Walker, long-time Aboriginal activist, is currently serving time
in Grafton jail, N.S.W. while he waits for an appeal on a conviction and
sentence. Dennis was charged over an incident in which he was acting to
protect a Sacred Site on Banjalung land, Northern N.S.W. Dennis was sentenced
to five years for what was basically an act of self-defence. After a struggle
with a policeman, Dennis seized the policeman’s gun and emptied it into the
ceiling, being too smart to hand the copper back a loaded gun. Dennis is
seeking a retrial on the basis that Trial Judge Craigie refused to consider
Customary Law evidence.Dennis has the support of the Banjalung Council of Elders, who have condoned his actions in protecting a Bundjalung sacred site, and called for his handing over to his elders on Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah Morgumpun Elders in Council) for any further action on this matter.
Dennis's appeal will be a historic one if handled correctly, bringing in issues of Sovereignty and the acceptance of Customary law.
Dennis has asked for support. Please write letters to the following people demanding Dennis's immediate release pending retrial on the basis that Customary Law evidence was refused by Trial Justice Craigie:
Dennis would like copies of any letters you send in his support, please send them to his address below.
Remember Dennis - write to him in Grafton jail, addressing your letters as follows:
Dennis Bruce Walker.
MIN245312.
PO Box 656
Grafton. 2460.
NSW.
(The Federal Minister for Justice and Attorney General is Daryl Williams, C/- Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600.
Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister is Senator John Herron, Level 36, Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle St, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
The Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs is Mr D. Melham.
For those in Victoria, the State Minister for Aboriginal Affairs is the Hon. Ann Henderson MLA, and Attorney General is Jan Wade, C/- Parliament House, Melbourne, 3002.)