In a significant victory for pro-cannabis artists, Alec Zammitt and Will Stolk saw criminal charges dropped after projections of pro-cannabis messages were made on Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This decision, made after nearly two years of legal battles, represents a pivotal moment in the fight for cannabis legalisation and the right to protest in Australia.
On April 20, 2022, ‘Who Are We Hurting?’, used high-powered projectors to beam messages onto the landmarks, sparking controversy and legal proceedings. Despite facing charges for breaching advertising bylaws, the pair maintained their innocence throughout.
Their legal journey was marked by accusations of police harassment and pressure tactics. Zammitt emphasised the financial strain of fighting the charges, highlighting the need to seek costs to set a precedent against such tactics.
“We’ve always passed the pub test, and now we’ve passed in court,” said Zammitt. “The laws we were fined under were never applicable to begin with, no crime took place on April 20, 2022, and it is sad it has taken this long for this to become apparent.” (Source: B&T)
In a courtroom victory, charges were withdrawn, and Zammitt and Stolk were awarded costs for their legal fees. “Even the amount we asked for doesn’t begin to compensate for the pain and suffering and the loss of income we’ve sustained going through the court process,” Zammitt added.
Accompanied by Legalise Cannabis MP Jeremy Buckingham, the activists now focus on reforming legislation governing medicinal cannabis patients’ ability to drive. Buckingham plans to raise the issue in parliament and directly with the police minister and the attorney general. They advocate for the full legalisation of adult-use cannabis to redirect funds from organised crime and contribute to government revenues. (Source: The Guardian)
“The cost of proving our innocence would not be afforded by the average person,” Zammitt stated. “It is sad it has taken this long for this to become apparent.” (Source: ELPLANTEO)
“We’d like the full legalisation of recreational cannabis for adult use in Australia,” Stolk emphasised, “so that the taxpayers get the money that’s currently going to organised crime.” (Source: Frank151)
“[Beyond that] we’d like the full legalisation of recreational cannabis for adult use in Australia, so that the taxpayers get the money that’s currently going to organised crime,” said Stolk.
Magistrate Daniel Reiss found the “exceptional” circumstances meant that legal costs could be awarded for part of the proceedings. The pair were awarded $2750 each.
He also made an order for Zammitt’s projector to be returned to him.
Outside court, the pair said they were “stoked” with the outcome.
The pair and their supporters went to Opera Bar to celebrate after getting Zammitt’s projector from Day Street Police Station. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Their journey serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the ongoing battle for cannabis legalisation in Australia.
