‘We need you there’: Justice rally planned in response to alleged rape
Thousands of people who have simply had enough of burgeoning crime rates are expected to take part in a community-led anti-crime rally in response to the horrific alleged rape of a Manunda woman last week.
Cairns
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Thousands of people who have simply had enough of burgeoning crime rates are expected to take part in a community-led anti-crime rally in response to the horrific alleged rape of a Manunda woman last week.
The demonstration is planned for this Sunday and will coincide with the Crisafulli Government’s first community cabinet, set to go-ahead at an undisclosed location on March 2.
A groundswell of outrage has surged through the Cairns community in the wake of the arrest of three teenage boys who police allege busted into a Manunda home before dragging a woman from the bed she was sleeping in with her partner at knifepoint and raping her in the next room.
Vocal critic of juvenile justice laws Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said the alleged crime had struck at the heart of people’s right to be safe from harm in their own homes.
“This heinous crime has ripped out the heart of the community, I don’t think the community will be patient any longer because it could have been anyone’s sister or wife,” he said.
“Everyone expects our leaders will fix this, and I wish it was that easy but the power is with the people.
“The real power is getting 10,000 people together saying enough is enough.
“They want to do something, and they are looking to their leaders and we want to give them a pathway.”
In a conversation with David Crisafulli, Mr Olds said the Premier was also angry about the crime and lent his support for the community event calling for change.
“He said if you get a group of people that have some ideas, I will be there for you, you organise it and I’ll be there,” Mr Olds said.
The trio, aged 15 and 16, face a litany of charges including rape, armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, enter dwelling and commit, and enter dwelling with intent by break at night while armed in company.
Charges for all three boys were mentioned in the Cairns Childrens Court on Monday where Magistrate Michael Dalton ordered disease testing before setting a new court date of March 1.
No bail application was made and no pleas have been entered.
Mr Olds said crime victims would be invited to speak at the rally planned for next Sunday morning where law reform and sentencing options would be discussed.
“Let’s get the ideas out there, I think we have been very tolerant for way too long,” he said.
“(The rally) will allow people to get together and feel like they are doing something.
“They are criminals, let’s treat them like criminals and we need laws so that you can protect your own home.”
Along with relocation sentencing championed by Katter’s Australia Party, Mr Olds in an extreme suggestion, said deporting convicted offenders to the South Pacific could be looked at similar to the deporting of non-citizens to Nauru known as the NZYQ cohort.
Driving force behind the rally and rape survivor Brynie Rosser-Guyatt said the demonstration provided an opportunity to demand justice while standing in support of the victims of last week’s abhorrent offences.
“Like everyone else in this town, I’m fed up,” she said.
“We stand in solitude for both the victims of these horrific (alleged) recent crimes, our hearts full of empathy and love for (the couple).
“The emotional toll … is immeasurable.
“It is unacceptable that crimes like rape and deprivation of liberty are not treated with the severity they deserve when committed by minors.
“These (alleged) offenders must face consequences that reflect the gravity of their actions.”
Premier David Crisafulli on Sunday vowed that youth rape laws, which were not included in the first tranche of Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation, would be strengthened this calendar year, and said there were complexities involved with rape charges.
At the weekend Justice Minister Laura Gerber said the second tranche would be delivered some time “this year”.
Ms Rosser-Guyatt said it was time to show the government that the people are no longer willing to accept the current state of lawlessness in Cairns.
“We need you there, we need bodies, we need noise,” she said.
“Together, we will make a stand for justice, for the safety of our children, our families, and our community.
“This rally is not just a protest, it’s a fight for the future of Cairns.”
Participants have been asked to wear teal ribbons and purple flowers that represent courage, peace, and dedication to ending violence.
The rally will be held at Freedom Park on the Cairns Esplanade on March 2.
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Originally published as ‘We need you there’: Justice rally planned in response to alleged rape
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