Climate activist Jordan Brown’s legal team has initiated a groundbreaking class action against Victoria Police, alleging that the deployment of capsicum spray at a peaceful protest was unlawful and excessive. The case argues that Brown’s treatment during a mining protest in October 2019 was violent, as he was completely passive and unarmed at the time of the incident.
His barrister, Fiona Forsyth KC, highlighted that Brown was sprayed twice by police officers, despite not posing any threat, which she labeled “entirely unreasonable.” Evidence presented includes videos showing other protesters engaging in non-violent activities while police reportedly laughed and made disparaging remarks post-spraying.
The experts are expected to testify on the severe effects of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, described as akin to “two cigarette butts being jammed into your eyes,” with Brown allegedly suffering from burning eyes and long-term psychological damage.
This class action marks a significant legal milestone in Australia, encompassing all individuals affected by the police’s actions during the protest. Brown’s legal representatives aim to establish a precedent that restricts the use of such forceful measures by Victoria Police in future scenarios. The trial, overseen by Justice Claire Harris, is anticipated to last over two weeks.