Seven Women Face Court Over Vandalism of Women's Rights Campaigner Statue
Seven women have been formally charged with criminal damage following the alleged vandalism of a statue honouring Australian women's rights campaigner Zelda D'Aprano. The incident occurred outside the Victorian Trades Hall in Melbourne at approximately 11am on March 6, just days before International Women's Day celebrations were due to commence.
Alleged Use of Umbrellas to Block CCTV Surveillance
Victoria Police allege the activist group used red spray paint to deface the statue while employing umbrellas to obstruct CCTV cameras, apparently attempting to avoid identification. One of the accused, 34-year-old Jemima Demanuele, faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday afternoon, charged with multiple offences including criminal damage, marking graffiti on a residence without consent, and recklessly damaging part of a registered place without the required permit.
The court heard that Demanuele was currently on bail for another matter related to protesting in Melbourne's central business district. Victoria Police officer Tiffany Lamesta strongly advocated for the revocation of bail, asserting the accused presented an 'unacceptable risk' of reoffending while on bail. 'The accused has been given bail for the last incident but is showing no respect for court orders,' Ms Lamesta stated. 'Police believe the accused will continue to offend if she's granted bail.'
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed by Magistrate
During proceedings, the court was informed that Demanuele was on paid leave from her position at St Vincent's Hospital while a Fair Work investigation was underway. Despite police objections, Magistrate Michelle Hodgson granted the 34-year-old bail under stringent conditions, which specifically included maintaining a distance of at least one block from the Victorian Trades Hall.
Magistrate Hodgson clarified her position, stating: 'There is no issue with protest, but it must be lawful, it must not endanger the safety and welfare of other persons and it must not cause property damage.' She delivered this directive directly to Demanuele during the hearing.
Six Additional Women Face Similar Charges
The remaining six women, including one aged 71, have been charged with comparable offences. These charges encompass criminal damage, behaving in a riotous manner in a public place, and refusing to leave a scheduled public place after receiving an official warning. Police further allege that the group became aggressive towards Trades Hall staff members when approached about their actions.
A photograph from the scene revealed an apron placed on the statue bearing the inscription 'Difficult woman', adding another layer of symbolism to the incident. The statue of Zelda D'Aprano was unveiled in 2023 to honour the activist's legacy. D'Aprano famously chained herself to a government building in 1969 to protest a ruling on equal pay for women, becoming an iconic figure in Australia's feminist movement.
Historical Significance of the Honoured Activist
Zelda D'Aprano, born in Melbourne in 1928 to Jewish migrant parents, was later named on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in recognition of her substantial contributions to gender equality. Her courageous activism paved the way for subsequent generations of women's rights advocates in Australia.
Demanuele is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday, while the six other accused women were bailed and will appear in court on October 1. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings advance through the Victorian justice system.
