A University of NSW student activist missed Mardi Gras because of strict bail conditions imposed on a fine-only offence, a court has heard.
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Cherish Kuehlmann was prohibited from entering within 2km of Sydney's Town Hall following a midnight arrest by NSW Police in front of her Eastlakes apartment in February.
The 23-year-old was charged with aggravated entering of closed lands, that carries a maximum $5500 fine, following a student-organised housing crisis rally.
Defence lawyer Sidnie Sarang told the Downing Centre Local Court the bail conditions are onerous for a fine only offence.
"It hampers her entire livelihood," Ms Sarang said on
"She's already missed the Mardi Gras parade. I am already worried about what she will miss out on this year."
The bail conditions have been in place for two weeks, Kuehlmann said outside court.
Magistrate Clare Farnan dispensed with her bail on Wednesday.
"I would not consider a fine-only offence to be a serious offence," the magistrate said.
Kuehlmann had no criminal history and therefore, no history of breaching bail, Ms Farnan added.
"She can continue to engage with activism, which is her democratic right," she said.
Kuehlmann, a UNSW student council education officer, was the only person to be arrested at the rally.
University students occupied the foyer of the Martin Place Commonwealth Bank and the curtilage of the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Police approached Kuehlmann and a University of Sydney education officer asking for their personal details.
Kuehlmann said outside court that she was singled out because she was leading chants and speakers on the megaphone.
"NSW Police wanted to set the precedent that they can restrict students from attending and organising further protests," Kuehlmann told reporters.
"They're always trying to wind our rights back."
Contingencies from different Sydney student unions protested outside Downing Centre while Kuehlmann was in her bail hearing.
An online petition in support of her garnered over 1000 signatures, Kuehlmann said.
"I'm glad that the magistrate can say that it actually was intended to limit my right to protest and my freedom of political expression," she said.
"Not very often is there justice in the justice system but today was a victory."
The matter will return to court on October 25.
Ms Farnan noted that Kuehlmann intends to plead not guilty.
Australian Associated Press
