Lex Wotton

Lex Wotton (born 1968) is an Indigenous Australian who took part in a riot on Palm Island November 26, 2004. The reason for the riots was the direct result of the suspicious death in custody of his friend and fellow Palm Islander Cameron Doomadgee AKA Mulrunji Doomadgee who died in custody on Friday, 19 November 2004 after being arrested and while in the custody of Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley.

There are conflicting stories to as to what actually took place. While there is no doubt to that Wotton took part in the riot and was one of the angry rioters there are various accounts to what extent he was involved. Some say that he went to confront the police at the nearby station he made threats to the police and others say that he later told the crowd that the police had had enough and to leave them alone.

On Oct 24 2008, Lex Wotton was admitted to Royal Brisbane Hospital suffering from shortness of breath and dizziness while he was waiting for the verdict following his trial where he pleaded not guilty to rioting and destroying property on Palm Island November 26, 2004. During the trial, the court was told 40-year-old Wotton led an angry mob on a rampage on November 26, 2004, destroying property and threatening police.

On October 24 2008, Lex Wotton, now aged 40 was sentenced to 6 years jail and taking into account the time already spent in custody he will be eligible for parole in July 2010.

Since Lex Wotton's conviction and jailing there has been vocal protest from many Australians who regard his imprisonment as an injustice.
The Green Left Weekly and Socialist Alliance website reports that Aboriginal activist and Indigenous Rights Spokesperson, Sam Watson has called for major rallies in cities around Australia to protest Wotton's imprisonment. Sam Watson has also drawn a comparison between 1950's style Alabama justice and Lex Wotton's treatment by making the statement .

Community Involvement
In an article in the Sydney Morning Herald, Emily Dunn records that as a school boy Lex Wotton recalls seeing his father in a film called [http://en. .org/wiki/Protected_(Film) Protected], that told the story of the 1957 strike on Palm Island and against protective legislation curtailing the freedoms of its majority Aboriginal population. He said the film opened his eyes to the way "things were different on Palm". In June 2007, he presented a screening of the 1975 film by brothers Allesandro and Fabio Cavadini to the Film Fanatics society at the Petersham Bowling Club. One of the film makers, Fabio Cavadini also attended the event and after the film Wotton addressed the audience.

Lex Wotton has attempted to lend himself to various community projects including trying to build support for a community-owned and -controlled organisation that can purchase the Palm Island store. He has also expressed interest in running as mayor of Palm Island. He is also the founding director of the Palm Island Mens Group and has been involved in community activities since 1997.

Interestingly Lex Wotton had expressed a desire to run for mayor of Palm Island. In an interview with Conor Duffy of the ABC, Lex Wotton said he could provide leadership on the island and wanted to promote home ownership and private enterprise.

Other Lex Wotton websites
*Free Lex Wotton NOW

Organisations campaigning for Lex Wotton's release from prison
*Drop the Charges Against Lex Wotton!
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*Free Lex Wotton Petition download
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