“The police are welcome to investigate any complaint, but after checking that we were peacefully presenting the religious meaning of the swastika they should have let us continue or even protect us from being threatened,” he said “However instead of protecting us they decided to deny us our freedom of expression. This is a clear misuse of power and I refused to comply."

The police insisted the Swastika kite be dismantled and the placards removed. Those involved were asked for their ID, given a warning to vacate the area and told not to display the Swastika placards or there would be arrests.
"I couldn't accept to be asked to hide my own symbol, a symbol of peace and respect that I wear everyday around my neck" said Jarel. It is for this reason that Jarel was duly arrested and taken to the Police Station along with the ‘offending’ placards. (see attached pictures)

After a short time in a police cell Jarel was released without charges being laid. He said, “It is a sad day for religious freedom and freedom of expression in Queensland. The police force is at the service of the citizens to protect their freedom not to remove it from them. We should never take our freedom for granted. If we don't stand our ground to defend our freedom on all occasions it will be taken away from us. ”

The Raelian Movement will continue to inform the public of the peaceful swastika and will reschedule the event in the near future" said Jarel. "It will also never accept to hide its symbol as it was given to us by our Creators, scientists from another planet, and we should all be very respectful of this gift and of the teachings associated to it."

For more about the meaning of the swastika, please visit www.proswastika.org