[Muanet] Wollongong Univeristy Students' Association President questioned over links to terrorism

[Chris Latham]

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/12/07/1165081092060.html?from=top5 <http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/12/07/1165081092060.html?from=top5> 
Activist reported to Hotline
Harriet Alexander Higher Education Reporter
December 8, 2006

A STUDENT activist who pounded a placard depicting the Prime Minister with water bombs has been accused of
breaching terrorism laws.

Police investigated Jessica Moore, the president of the Wollongong University students' association, after
a caller to the national security hotline reported she had organised the protest in support of Hamas, the
Palestinian party whose military wing is on a list of terrorist organisations.

But Ms Moore, an anti-war activist and member of the Socialist Alliance, said the protest was against
homophobia and had nothing to do with Hamas. About 20 students had gathered on a university lawn where
posters reading "Target homophobia. Take out the Libs", were on display.

"It was an action to get attention," Ms Moore said.

Police said the complaint had been dismissed after an officer visited the campus. "It was clear that this
was in relation to homophobia," Detective Chief Inspector Joe Mura said.

Ms Moore said the complaint had been intended to intimidate her. "That's the incredibly scary thing
about the [security] hotline," Ms Moore said. "Anyone who doesn't like you can accuse you of being a
terrorist or a member of a terrorist organisation."


	The students' association has organised about 25 demonstrations this year on issues as diverse as the
	wars in Lebanon and Iraq and the industrial relations legislation. Liberal Club members have accused it of
	sympathising with terrorist organisations.
	
	The club's general secretary, Warren Hudson, said: "I'm sure the justification for someone to report it
	to the security hotline [would be] that a student organisation was financially supporting terrorism … by
	using student funds to support groups such as Hamas."
	
	Ms Moore said: "I'm a fairly outspoken anti-war activist … That doesn't make me a supporter of terrorism."

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