Key facts
- Defendant
- Juliet Lamont, 55, from the Northern Rivers
- Charge
- One count of trespassing
- Court outcome
- No conviction; six-month good-behaviour order
- Protest date
- July 2025
- Protest location
- Electro Optic Systems (EOS) premises
- Number of protesters
- Eight, including Lamont
Background
Juliet Lamont, a 55-year-old peace activist from the Northern Rivers, pleaded guilty to a single count of trespassing in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 4. The charge stemmed from her involvement in a protest at the premises of defence contractor Electro Optic Systems (EOS) in July 2025.
Lamont was one of eight protesters who entered the EOS premises. The protesters said the demonstration was intended to draw attention to what they describe as the company's links to the Israeli military. Police found Lamont and others on the rooftop about 6am carrying banners and chanting.
Lamont later locked herself to a railing with another protester before police removed her. Her defence barrister, Bernard Collaery, urged the court to impose the same outcome received by six other people involved in the protest, whose matters were dismissed without a recorded conviction.
Current situation
Special Magistrate Lucinda Wilson spared Lamont a criminal conviction, placing her on a six-month good-behaviour order instead. The court heard that Lamont's interstate criminal history related solely to protest activity and involved no violence, vandalism, or threats to public safety.
The prosecutor acknowledged Australians had a right to protest but argued Lamont had crossed the line into criminal offending. He said Lamont appeared to have had a greater level of involvement than some other protesters, requiring police to spend additional time removing her from the roof.
During sentencing, Ms Wilson accepted Lamont's actions were 'morally motivated'. She said Lamont was motivated by her strength of conviction and morals, and was taking a stand on issues including the perceived genocide in Gaza as described in her affidavit. Ms Wilson accepted Lamont 'did not go there to harm any person or damage any property, but to send a message about peace'.
| Protester | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Juliet Lamont | Six-month good-behaviour order, no conviction |
| Six other protesters | Matters dismissed without recorded conviction |
Impacts
Lamont's court appearance follows her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. She alleges Israeli forces seized the vessel in international waters and detained those on board. She also alleges she was tortured and raped while in Israeli detention.
Lamont has provided statements to the Australian Federal Police, and her allegations have also formed part of material submitted to the International Criminal Court. The ACT court heard that Lamont was saving money to travel to the International Criminal Court to give evidence.
The Australian Federal Police has confirmed it is investigating the allegations raised by Lamont and the other 10 Australian flotilla participants. Outside court, Lamont said she had no intention of stepping away from activism, sharing plans to take on a larger leadership role with the flotilla.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Lamont said she would 'go back on a flotilla tomorrow' if she thought it would change things, but questioned whether another flotilla would work. She said activists need to return to core beliefs and be strategic with the next action, adding, 'But we're still banging the drum for justice for Palestine'.
If Lamont complies with the good-behaviour order, she may avoid further legal consequences for this incident. If she reoffends, the court could impose a harsher penalty, as the prosecutor had argued for deterrence.
The Australian Federal Police investigation into the flotilla allegations could lead to further developments, but the outcome remains unclear. Lamont's plans to give evidence at the International Criminal Court may proceed if she can raise the necessary funds.
Source: braidwoodtimes.com.au
