Someone bought up the Lindt Cafe siege.
What if Man Haron Monis had, prior to his demise, decided to conduct a political protest on an aircraft at push back? Would you expect him to be on a no fly list? Or would you think that was just a gross invasion of his right to free speech?
Like it or not, the vast majority of this country support a hard line on illegal immigration. Why is it that the rights of the majority to get from A to B unhindered get trumped by the minority view? If we let these protests go unchallenged then every flight would have a protest of some sort wanting to delay it.
No fly lists exist to protect the travelling public from the Man Haron Monis's of this world. Mr Leary has now found out that exercising his rights to protest have consequences. With rights come obligations and consequences. He is now regarded as being a threat to the security of passengers that would fly with him. Ultimately he may be allowed back into the sky, maybe not, depending on the ensuing investigation. Either way, I suggest he'll think twice before pulling this little stunt again.
Now as to the facts as I am aware of them.
This was an organised protest. Leaflets were being handed out at the boarding gate by those planning to protest on board. Just as the aircraft was about to push at least one of the organisers stood up and started yelling out that they were conducting a political protest aimed at stopping the detainee from being deported, and soliciting support from fellow passengers. Some of those passengers stood up. Each of these protestors was given fair opportunity to resume their seats and avoid being off loaded. Some sat down, some didn't. Those that didn't were off loaded and, quite correctly, put on the no fly list. Qantas has a duty of care to protect the safety of passengers that choose to travel with them. The no fly list exists for this purpose. Those involved in the protest have been deemed to warrant further investigation before being allowed to fly again, as it should be.
Make no mistake. Mr Leary was involved in the protest. Fact.
Last edited by IsDon; 3rd Mar 2015 at 01:07.