Shock and Outrage as Man Who Brandished Dezi Freeman Placard at Anti-Immigration Rally Let Off with a Slap on the Wrist
- A 39-year-old man arrested for carrying a sign depicting suspected police killer Dezi Freeman at a March for Australia rally will NOT face criminal charges
- Lee Roberts was expected to appear in court today but will instead receive a formal caution from SA Police
- The controversial placard sparked widespread condemnation, with SA Police Acting Commissioner Linda Williams calling it “offensive”, “disgraceful” and “outrageous”
Lee Roberts, the 39-year-old man from Golden Grove who sparked outrage by carrying a placard depicting suspected police killer Dezi Freeman at an anti-immigration rally in Adelaide, will not face criminal charges. In a stunning turn of events, SA Police have confirmed that Roberts will instead receive a formal caution, bringing an end to the highly publicised case.
Roberts was arrested after attending an Adelaide police station in the days following the rally, which drew a crowd of around 15,000 people. The March for Australia event, which took place on August 31, was met with a counter-rally, and the controversy surrounding Roberts’ placard added fuel to the already heated debate.
In the aftermath of the rally, SA Police Acting Commissioner Linda Williams issued a scathing condemnation of the placard, calling it “offensive”, “disgraceful” and “outrageous”. However, despite the strong words, Roberts will escape criminal prosecution, instead receiving a formal caution notice.
The decision has sparked questions about the policing of such events and the limits of free speech. While Roberts’ actions were widely condemned, the lack of criminal charges may be seen as a victory for those who believe in the importance of exercising one’s right to free expression.
The controversy surrounding the placard has also raised questions about the impact of such incidents on the community. With tensions already running high in the wake of recent events, the decision not to pursue criminal charges may be seen as a missed opportunity to send a strong message about the importance of respecting the rule of law.
As the dust settles on this highly controversial case, one thing is clear: the debate about free speech, public decency, and the limits of protest is far from over.