Monday 28 February 2005

More riots feared after death of youths, The Australian, 28 February, 2005.

More riots feared after death of youths: [1 All-round Country Edition]

John Stapleton, Annabelle McDonald. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 28 Feb 2005: 5.
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Crowds of angry and grieving friends who gathered around the tree where Matt Robertson, 19, and Dylan Raywood, 17, died in a stolen car on Friday night vowed yesterday to continue the violence that began after the fatal crash.
Jamie Raywood, father of 17-year-old Dylan, blamed police. "Why chase a car. The car is totalled and Dylan and Matt are dead -- for what?" Mr Raywood told the Nine Network.
The scribbly gum on Eucalyptus Drive where Robertson and Raywood died is opposite Flinders Park, a well-worn escape route for locals fleeing police during car chases.
POLICE were bracing for a third consecutive night of rioting in strife-torn public housing estates in far-western Sydney last night after the death of two popular young men during a police car chase.
Crowds of angry and grieving friends who gathered around the tree where Matt Robertson, 19, and Dylan Raywood, 17, died in a stolen car on Friday night vowed yesterday to continue the violence that began after the fatal crash.
But in circumstances reminiscent of the Redfern riots last year, police established Taskforce Loudon to investigate the violence and said they were prepared for another outburst.
"We're in control. We will have sufficient resources in that area to deal with anything that arises," Acting Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford said yesterday.
Jamie Raywood, father of 17-year-old Dylan, blamed police. "Why chase a car. The car is totalled and Dylan and Matt are dead -- for what?" Mr Raywood told the Nine Network.
He said he could not blame the driver alone for stealing the car because all the young men were complicit. The driver of the car has not yet been found by police.
People at the scene of the crash on Eucalyptus Drive yesterday cited constant harassment and abuse by police who they say had targeted a group of local men known as the Kelly Gang.
Several residents who own scanners also disputed police claims that they were only chasing the men for a minute.
Police were pelted with rocks and bottles as they worked to free the bodies of Robertson and Raywood from the mangled car late Friday night.
Trouble erupted again in the early hours of Sunday after locals tried to block the streets of Macquarie Fields for a memorial drink. Several police and a number of local residents were injured in the riots, including all three of Colleen Ellington's children.
She spent yesterday at the Emergency section of Liverpool Hospital as her two daughters and son were treated for injuries from Saturday night's melee.
Her eldest daughter, Ashley, 21, received bruising down the side of one leg, younger daughter Shalee required five stitches in her head and son Jeffrey, 16, suffered a broken arm and extensive bruising around the head.
"The police provoke them deliberately, looking to arrest them," Mrs Ellington said.
"The police intimidated and manipulated the kids. I want those police charged."
Kelly Gang members yesterday paraded their uniform, a T-shirt which reads: "I wish I was anywhere but here."
It is a slogan that reflects the socially and economically depressed nature of the area, where both parents and youths complain about the lack of resources for kids.
Debbie Kelly, who described herself as the grandmother of the gang, said local boys were constantly being harassed by police.
"Nobody has put the boys' side of the story," she said.
"Even three days ago the police told me my boys will die soon. The police blame the children, but these cops are at them all thetime."
The scribbly gum on Eucalyptus Drive where Robertson and Raywood died is opposite Flinders Park, a well-worn escape route for locals fleeing police during car chases.
The normal route involves cutting across the park, abandoning the stolen car and fleeing on foot into the housing estates.
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100 teens fight police on chase deaths, The Australian, 28 February, 2005.

100 teens fight police on chase deaths: [3 All-round Metro Edition]

John Stapleton, Elizabeth Gosch. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 28 Feb 2005: 5.
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More than 50 officers in full riot gear were confronted when the mob set a car alight in Macquarie Fields to avenge the deaths of two popular young men during a police car chase on Friday night.
Earlier, grieving friends gathered around the tree where Matt Robertson, 19, and Dylan Raywood, 17, died in a stolen car.
"Why chase a car? The car is totalled and Dylan and Matt are dead -- for what?" Mr Raywood told the Nine Network. He said he could not blame the driver alone for stealing the car because all the young men were involved in what happened.
A GANG of more than 100 teenagers turned on police with molotov cocktails for the third night of violence in strife-torn public housing estates in far-western Sydney.
More than 50 officers in full riot gear were confronted when the mob set a car alight in Macquarie Fields to avenge the deaths of two popular young men during a police car chase on Friday night.
In circumstances similar to last year's Redfern riots in Sydney's inner city, residents gathered on their balconies and front lawns to cheer on the violence.
"We want to kill coppers," some of the crowd shouted. "You killed our friends."
Earlier, grieving friends gathered around the tree where Matt Robertson, 19, and Dylan Raywood, 17, died in a stolen car.
Jamie Raywood, father of 17-year-old Dylan, blamed the police for the trouble.
"Why chase a car? The car is totalled and Dylan and Matt are dead -- for what?" Mr Raywood told the Nine Network. He said he could not blame the driver alone for stealing the car because all the young men were involved in what happened.
The driver of the car has not yet been found by police.
People at the scene of the crash on Eucalyptus Drive yesterday cited constant harassment and abuse by police, who they say had targeted a group of local men known as the Kelly Gang.
Several residents who own scanners also disputed police claims they were only chasing the men for a minute.
Police were pelted with rocks and bottles as they worked to free the bodies of Robertson and Raywood from the mangled car late on Friday night.
Trouble erupted again in the early hours of Sunday after locals tried to block the streets of Macquarie Fields for a memorial drink. Several police and a number of local residents were injured in the riots, including all three of Colleen Ellington's children.
She spent yesterday at the emergency section of Liverpool Hospital as her two daughters and son were treated for injuries from Saturday night's melee.
Her eldest daughter, Ashley, 21, received bruising down the side of one leg; younger daughter Shalee required five stitches in her head; and son Jeffrey, 16, suffered a broken arm and extensive bruising around the head.
"The police provoke them deliberately, looking to arrest them," Mrs Ellington said.
"The police intimidated and manipulated the kids. I want those police charged."
Kelly Gang members yesterday paraded their uniform, a T-shirt that reads: "I wish I was anywhere but here."
It is a slogan that reflects the socially and economically depressed nature of the area, where parents and young people complain about the lack of resources for youth.
Debbie Kelly, who described herself as the grandmother of the gang, said local boys were constantly being harassed by police.
"Nobody has put the boys' side of the story," she said.
The rioters were still in a stand-off with police early this morning.
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Thursday 24 February 2005

Terror suspect tracked on bail, The Australian, 24 February, 2005.

Terror suspect tracked on bail: [1 All-round Country Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 24 Feb 2005: 2.
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Mr [Bilal Khazal], 34, from Lakemba in Sydney's southwest, appeared in traditional Islamic dress at the Central Local Court in Sydney yesterday.
FORMER Qantas baggage handler Bilal Khazal, will face a committal hearing in June to determine whether he will go to trial on terror- related charges.
Mr Khazal, 34, from Lakemba in Sydney's southwest, appeared in traditional Islamic dress at the Central Local Court in Sydney yesterday.
He has been charged with knowingly collecting or making documents connected with terrorism.
Mr Khazal's bail was continued, with conditions requiring him to carry a special mobile phone that allows authorities to track his whereabouts. His internet use and community contact has been restricted.
His solicitor Adam Houda told the court he had reached agreement with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions allowing him to cross-examine an Australian Federal Police officer at the committal hearing.
Police allege Mr Khazal created an internet document that listed countries he considered "the enemy" and encouraged the killing of "infidels". His defenders claim this was a compilation of writings by other Muslims.
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Wednesday 23 February 2005

Brothels seek staying power as tenants get restless, The Australian, 23 February, 2005

Brothels seek staying power as tenants get restless: [2 All-round First Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 23 Feb 2005: 3.
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"This is a landmark case and has broad implications for all owners and residents of residential apartments in NSW," said Liberal councillor for Waverley Kerryn Sloan.
Ms [Annelise Tuor] heard stories of a repeatedly vandalised foyer and lift, female residents frightened to come home late at night, stairwells smelling like urinals, scantily clad prostitutes running between floors, residents unable to sleep because of the noise, landlords unable to get decent tenants and "heavies" hanging around outside the building.
Ms Sloan said the scandal was made worse by the fact that Mr [Paul Pearce] had his electoral office literally next door to a brothel and had done nothing to stop their proliferation. She said Labor members of council used to laugh at her and other Liberal councillors when they raised the issue.

RESIDENTS of a prominent Sydney apartment block are left in no doubt about what is going on behind the doors of some of theneighbours.
Misty's, for instance, declares on its front door that it is "Licensed to Thrill" and its advertising suggests it has "fifty ladies!"
Another brothel, Michelle's, says it takes American Express, Visa and Mastercard and its advertising boasts "erotic massage, eight private luxurious apartments and 45 ladies".
Yet another operator, Sara's, suggests to clients "pushed for time" to "ask about our express rate".
All three brothels in Bondi Junction are taking legal action in the NSW Land and Environment Court in a bid to keep operating in theblock, which also houses the offices of the Labor state member Paul Pearce.
The brothels are appealing against the local council's efforts to close them.
If successful, Michelle's, Misty's and Sara's will operate 24 units as brothels, 32per cent of the entire block.
"This is a landmark case and has broad implications for all owners and residents of residential apartments in NSW," said Liberal councillor for Waverley Kerryn Sloan.
"If the Land and Environment Court rules in favour of brothels operating in residential apartment blocks, one could be on your doorstep tomorrow."
Ms Sloan said the brothels were operating "without council permission, without strata corporation permission and above the law".
Yesterday, Commissioner Annelise Tuor took evidence at the block, hearing from absentee landlords and residents opposed to theoperation of the brothels.
Ms Tuor heard stories of a repeatedly vandalised foyer and lift, female residents frightened to come home late at night, stairwells smelling like urinals, scantily clad prostitutes running between floors, residents unable to sleep because of the noise, landlords unable to get decent tenants and "heavies" hanging around outside the building.
Ms Sloan said the scandal was made worse by the fact that Mr Pearce had his electoral office literally next door to a brothel and had done nothing to stop their proliferation. She said Labor members of council used to laugh at her and other Liberal councillors when they raised the issue.
"Residents have been living under extreme duress as thugs cluster around the building, scantily clad girls run up and down common property and residents' laundries have been converted to wash soiled brothel linen while syringes litter common property areas."
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Monday 21 February 2005

Lebanese mourn as accused tells of tests, The Australian, 21 February, 2005.

Lebanese mourn as accused tells of tests: [1 All-round Country Edition]

Trudy Harris, John Stapleton. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 21 Feb 2005: 5.
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Lebanese Muslim Association president Keysar Trad called on Lebanese authorities to apologise to the men, who had been on theHaj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, and were returning to Australia via Lebanon after visiting relatives there.
Many commented that [Rafik Hariri] had achieved in death what no one else had been able to: he had united the Lebanese community.Australian Mufti Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali described Hariri as a martyr, a "spiritual nuclear power" who's greatness had become evident after his death. "He has produced a Lebanese people of one family, standing together to console each other," he said.
ONE of 10 Australian men questioned by counter-terrorism officers over the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri yesterday rejected claims traces of explosive substances were found on their airline seats.
ASIO and Australian Federal Police agents questioned Yusef Elrich and his friends about the killing after arriving at Sydney airport from Lebanon on Tuesday night.
Lebanon's Justice Minister had claimed the men were suspects after the traces were found on their seats.
But Mr Elrich, a cabinet-maker and father of two from western Sydney, said they volunteered for swabs to detect such traces after being interviewed at Sydney airport.
"And Australian Federal Police came to visit me on the weekend and said we can guarantee 100 per cent we do not suspect you of anything," he said, adding they were still awaiting final test results from the swabs.
Lebanese Muslim Association president Keysar Trad called on Lebanese authorities to apologise to the men, who had been on theHaj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, and were returning to Australia via Lebanon after visiting relatives there.
It was unclear whether traces were present from previous passengers or if the information was incorrect.
Mr Elrich was among hundreds with Lebanese-heritage in Australia who paid tribute to Hariri yesterday, killed in a bomb explosion last Monday.
Traditionally hostile Lebanese groups spanning religious and political divides were united in grief over his death as they gathered atthe StCharbel Maronite church in western Sydney yesterday for a special service.
Many commented that Hariri had achieved in death what no one else had been able to: he had united the Lebanese community.Australian Mufti Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali described Hariri as a martyr, a "spiritual nuclear power" who's greatness had become evident after his death. "He has produced a Lebanese people of one family, standing together to console each other," he said.
Mr Trad said the Lebanese spirit had combined with the Australian ethos of a fair go for all. "The greatest thing that binds us as Arabs is we both call God Allah, and in Allah we can all work together," he said. "This is Hariri's legacy."
Among those praying was Mamdouh Matar, of the Progressive Socialist Party of Lebanon, who said 90per cent of Lebanese political and religious groups were represented at yesterday's service. Getting them together in the same room, even in Australia, was rare, he said. "I am not sure who is Christian and who is Muslim today. This is the way Lebanon used to be and the way Lebanon will be," he said.
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Saturday 19 February 2005

Mentally ill mum cleared of murdering son, Weekend Australian, 19 February, 2005.

Mentally ill mum cleared of murdering son: [1 All-round Country Edition]

Stapleton, John. Weekend Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 19 Feb 2005: 5.
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Shan Shan Xu, 35, drowned her son Stephen in 2003 after leaving a note for her mother that said they would not be returning home to their western Sydney unit.
Shanghai-born Ms Xu came to Australia in the mid-1990s. She gave birth to Stephen in late 1998 after a brief liaison with a construction worker.
"There was no one else on the wharf. At the end of the ramp, she gathered Stephen in her arms and held him for some time. She then disappeared from the end of the wharf, still holding Stephen, as she stepped into the Parramatta River," Justice David Kirby said in his judgment.
A WOMAN who drowned her four-year-old son was yesterday found not guilty of murder by reason of mental illness.
Shan Shan Xu, 35, drowned her son Stephen in 2003 after leaving a note for her mother that said they would not be returning home to their western Sydney unit.
"We are not coming back home. Please look after yourself. Just treat it as if we'd had an accident. I've really had enough," the note read.
Ms Xu was pulled from the Parramatta River, holding her dead son, by crew and passengers of a ferry.
She fled into an underground railway station yesterday to avoid waiting press photographers after the judgment was delivered in theNSW Supreme Court.
Shanghai-born Ms Xu came to Australia in the mid-1990s. She gave birth to Stephen in late 1998 after a brief liaison with a construction worker.
In late 2002, she began making suicide threats and in early 2003 she was admitted to an acute-psychiatric unit, the Caritas Centre. The hospital notes recorded that she had "thoughts of killing herself and her son ... sees nothing wrong with this".
Psychiatric staff described her as much brighter when she was released, a month before she killed her son. Only three weeks before the incident, a psychiatric registrar observed her as "co- operative, pleasant, smiling appropriately ... there was no evidence of any psychotic symptoms".
But on March 31, 2003, Ms Xu set out from Central Railway Station with her son and arrived at Meadowbank wharf about 2pm.
Closed-circuit television maintained by the Transport Authority showed she played in the park with Stephen until 6.41pm.
"There was no one else on the wharf. At the end of the ramp, she gathered Stephen in her arms and held him for some time. She then disappeared from the end of the wharf, still holding Stephen, as she stepped into the Parramatta River," Justice David Kirby said in his judgment.
She was pulled from the river more than an hour later. Attempts to revive the boy failed.
Justice Kirby accepted the evidence of two forensic psychiatrists that Ms Xu was suffering a major depressive illness at the time.
Ms Xu has been living in the community with her mother for the past 10 months. Justice Kirby said under the circumstances he did not believe it appropriate to return Ms Xu to custody.
He ordered her to continue psychiatric treatment and to be periodically assessed by the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
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