Drew Pavlou claims UQ is trying to imprison him over contempt of court
A University student activist has says he’s prepared to appeal his possible expulsion in the highest courts as he today faces a disciplinary hearing over allegations of misconduct.
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A University student activist has says he’s prepared to appeal his possible expulsion in the highest courts as he today faces a disciplinary hearing over allegations of misconduct.
University of Queensland student Drew Pavlou has strongly criticised and protested the institution’s ties with the Chinese government and today faces a disciplinary hearing at the university over 11 allegations of misconduct.
However, Mr Pavlou, represented by prominent Brisbane barrister Tony Morris QC, said they were “prepared to go all the way to the Supreme Court of Queensland” if necessary.
“I think it’s quite significant that there are nearly 35,000 signatures, and multiple MPs and Senators speaking out on my behalf and it’s been in international news.
“And yet UQ is still going through, they’ve got this partner at MinterEllison to write this huge document explaining UQ’s recommendation to the board that I be expelled.”
Mr Pavlou said on social media the written submission to the disciplinary board on behalf of The University of Queensland “strongly advocates for an outcome of expulsion or suspension for 5 years.”
A UQ statement said the university did not usually comment about individual disciplinary matters for confidentiality reasons and to “protect those involved” and has an obligation to take complaints about staff or student behaviour seriously and manage them through the standard University disciplinary process.
“Others have chosen to comment on one of our disciplinary processes in the absence of a complete understanding of the facts. Trying to influence our processes could impact on their integrity and could silence individuals or discourage members of our community from making complaints,” the statement said.
“The University rejects recent unsubstantiated accusations about any political motivations. The University has always been transparent about its international engagements.”
Mr Pavlou, a third year undergraduate arts and philosophy student was assaulted during an anti-Chinese Communist Party protest last July.
“I’m not sure if there is a decision tomorrow but if there is we’ll immediately launch an appeal.
“We’re already discussing the appeals process ...that’s the stage we’re at and it’s really sad.”
Mr Pavlou revealed that the University had threatened to take legal action over allegations of contempt of court.
“With this email they’ve accused me without any sort of evidence of having breached my court order with regard to my case against Xiu Jie…. The Chinese Consul General in Brisbane,” he said.
“So my court case against Xiu Jie is ongoing.
“(UQ) has accused me of a serious breach of undertaking and misuse of the UQ email and threatening to commence proceedings in court against me to try and prosecute me for contempt of court.
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“That’s a charge that can carry three years imprisonment.
“(UQ) has accused me of a serious breach of undertaking and misuse of emails subpoenaed between Xiu Jie and the university and they have threatened to commence proceedings and prosecute me for contempt of court, something that they are seeking to do to imprison me for three years.”
A UQ spokeswoman said the recent correspondence to Mark Tarrant Lawyers did not relate to any student disciplinary matters.
“It relates to documents produced for court proceedings brought by Mr Pavlou, to which UQ is not a party,” she said.
“Under a court order, and with Mr Pavlou’s agreement, UQ produced the documents on the basis that certain confidentiality restrictions would apply to the documents, including to protect students named in the documents.”
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