Ananda Marga - Allegations of Terrorism

Allegations of Terrorism

On 13 February 1978 some members of Ananda Marga were alleged to have been involved on the bombing of the Sydney Hilton hotel during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Regional Meeting in Australia and, on 15 June 1978 on the conspiracy to murder the leader of the Australian National Front, Robert Cameron. Evidence subsequently produced in court showed that Ananada Marga had been closely watched by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) since the movement arrived in Australia in the early 1970s. This included telephone taps, and other surveillance methods. Subsequent to the appeal to the High Court, a judicial inquiry in New South Wales cast doubt over police informer, Richard Seary, a prosecution witness, on whose affidavits was primarily based prosecution. After a long judicial history the main prosecution witness was recognised as unreliable and the AM members were acquitted.

The perpertrators have never been found. Evidence that Australian security forces may have been responsible led to the New South Wales parliament unanimously calling for an inquiry in 1991 and 1995. The Government of Australia vetoed any inquiry.