Island riot accused front court
06dec04
A BAIL hearing is underway in Townsville for 17 men arrested over last month's riot on Palm Island off the north Queensland coast.
Riot police arrived at the Townsville Court House earlier today ahead of an expected rally of Aboriginal people who are calling for the men to be released immediately.
Queensland's chief magistrate Marshall Irwin is deciding whether to release the men, aged between 14 and 54, who have been in jail since November 26 following a riot over the death in custody on the island of 36-year-old Cameron Doomadgee.
Mr Doomadgee died on November 19 following his arrest for drunkenness.
The release of an autopsy report by a Queensland government pathologist which found he had four broken ribs and a ruptured liver, sparked the riot.
Outside court today, barrister for the alleged rioters Angelo Vasta said the men were anxious to attend Mr Doomadgee's funeral, expected later this week.
Aboriginal activist Murrandoo Yanner said the justice system would be applying double standards if the men were not bailed.
Mr Yanner said two men accused of last week tying a noose around the neck of an Aboriginal youth and flogging him near Goondiwindi had only been summonsed to face court next year.
Alice Barney, a relative of Mr Doomadgee, held a placard outside court saying, "The capital city of KKK (Ku Klux Klan) is Townsville".