NEWS
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman threatened in viral video apparently posted by hacker group Anonymous
An image from the anonymous video posted on YouTube in which Premier Campbell Newman is threatened over the Queensland Government's anti-bikie laws. Source: News Limited
POLICE are investigating a threatening video address to Queensland Premier Campbell Newman which is going viral online.
The four-and-a-half minute video titled "Anonymous Message to Campbell Newman" has already been viewed close to 65,000 times on YouTube since being posted on Thursday.
It features a masked man speaking in a digitally altered voice about the State Government's Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) legislation.
An image from the anonymous video posted on YouTube in which Premier Campbell Newman is threatened over the Queensland Government's anti-bikie laws.
The laws were passed by parliament last month as part of the Premier's much publicised "war on bikies" and include mandatory jail terms of six months to 25-years for associating with criminal organisations.
"To those of you who believe this is going to be used against criminal bikie gangs and only bikie gangs, I would urge you to think again and do some research into the document," the message says.
"In the name of community safety the legislation makes very large and serious incursions into fundamental human rights including the right to be free from arbitrary detention and the right to free speech and association."
A new federal squad has been launched in Victoria to crack down on outlaw bikie gangs.
A senior government source suggested the video message may have been written by lawyers but Michael Cope from the Queensland Council of Civil Liberties denied any involvement.
"I haven't even seen it," said Mr Cope yesterday.
"We've never felt the need to hide behind a mask to speak out against the legislation."
The tally of bikie gang members getting caught in the legal net is growing
Although most of the message is about the potential repercussions of the laws, the last few words imply a threat to the Premier's personal safety.
"We do not forgive, we do not forget. Campbell Newman expect us," it said.
A spokesman for the Premier declined to comment on the message but confirmed they were aware of it.
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said they were aware of, and "investigating an online message from an anonymous source directed at the Premier of Queensland Campbell Newman".
"As the matter is currently under investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further," she said.
Steps have been taken to increase the Premier's personal security since Mr Newman declared he would rid Queensland of criminal motorcycle gangs, crush their motorcycles and force bikies to wear pink overalls in prison.
Security around government buildings has also been stepped up with police officers now stationed outside the Executive Building and State Parliament during working hours.
Public access has been restricted and staff required to carry identification cards at all times.
Well ain't that a Buddha Loves You. Citizens fight back. When it comes time to vote they will have forgotten all about this.
The important thing will be for opposing parties to keep this crap on the top of people's minds.
The problem is simply that the majority of people don't give a crap about bikers, so for bikers to be inconvenienced to catch bikies means nothing to them. The full extent of the repercussions will need to be highlighted to the average Joe Public.
There's talk of a Motorcyclists Australia Party and they seem to have some good policies in addition to getting rid of this crap, could be a good voting proposition next time 'round :thumb:
and you, as well as I. ( if I were there) BUT I dislike the hacker group, they hit SoE a couple years back, but I guess in a good way they got me 3 mos of free game time lol. but stll them taking this on I have to give em an attaboy
What a giant fuss is being made about this.Settle guys!!! They arent after us,and i VERY much doubt they'll ever even stop us for checks.
And even if they do,so what?Put up with some rare minor inconvenience to get rid of some shaZam! criminals
They're already hassling innocent riders, has been happening for weeks now and it's a load of shaZam!.
The thing *everyone* needs to understand with this new legislation is that it sets another precedent for GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT.
It's the same with the new hooning laws.
The laws are open to abuse and misuse by police who may not intend to abuse them but may know no better or may be instructed to do so.
This is where it is all wrong... and why people need to fight them.
I am not defending the crim's, but there are already sufficient laws to lock them up.