By A Sense of Place Publishing

Monica Smit came to prominence during the Covid era, when a new generation of political activists and a new generation of citizen journalists came to the fore. But still the ancient régime persecutes its youngest and brightest talents with all the tools of warfare at its disposal.

In her new essay What is the Price of Justice? Monica writes: “Recently I represented myself against a team of government lawyers during a 13-day trial that lasted over 6 weeks…. and won! That’s great news, isn’t it? But there is a twist that has become far more important to this story than the victory itself.”

It will have you asking…what is the price of justice?

Imagine you’ve been wronged by a government body.

Imagine your liberty was taken from you without just cause.

Imagine that no one was willing to take accountability or admit any fault.

Imagine you got offered a measly $15,000 with no private or public vindication.

If you take the money, you have permission to keep asserting that you think you were wronged, but you will never get closure. It will always be ‘your word against theirs’.

Who benefits if you take the deal?

Well, the government benefits because they’re using tax-payer’s money to pay you off anyway and they will avoid public embarrassment or taking accountability.

“Cell 22” by Monica Smit is a gripping memoir that charts the extraordinary journey of a woman who transformed from a carefree party girl into a political prisoner during one of the world’s most stringent lockdown periods in Melbourne, Australia. This book is not just an account of her time in solitary confinement but also a reflection on her personal growth, the societal impacts of governmental overreach, and her advocacy for freedom and human rights.

Monica Smit’s narrative begins by painting a picture of her life before the tumultuous events that would change her trajectory. Initially, her life was filled with the typical indulgences of youth, marked by a party lifestyle. However, her experiences with trauma, sexual abuse, and overcoming low self-esteem set the stage for her later resilience.

As she puts it in her book, “It was only through a long journey of shameful mistakes and personal suffering that I became a woman of conviction, and a person who dared stand up and fight for justice.” This quote encapsulates her transformation, highlighting how adversity can forge character.

The core of “Cell 22” revolves around Smit’s arrest and 22-day stint in solitary confinement for her vocal opposition to the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. Melbourne, under the leadership of Dan Andrews, became infamous for its draconian measures, which Smit fiercely opposed, leading to her becoming a symbol of resistance. Her imprisonment, rather than silencing her, amplified her cause, making her a martyr in the eyes of many who saw her as a victim of state overreach.

Smit’s portrayal of her time in cell 22 is raw and introspective. She speaks of the isolation, the fear, but also the clarity it brought to her understanding of freedom and human rights. “My time in Cell 22 was a crucible,” she writes, “where every moment was a reminder of why freedom is worth fighting for.” This quote not only illustrates her personal experience but also frames her broader message about the value of liberty.

Post her release, Smit delved deeper into activism, founding Reignite Democracy Australia, which became a platform for those feeling marginalised by the government’s policies. Her book delves into these activities, providing insights into her legal battles, public speeches, and the community she built around the cause for freedom.

The reception of “Cell 22” has been mixed but predominantly positive among those who resonate with her narrative of resistance against perceived tyranny. One reviewer on Goodreads notes, “The book is a lesson in having the balls to stand up for what you believe in even when everyone is against you.” This review captures the essence of what many readers find inspiring in Smit’s story - her unyielding spirit.

Another review, perhaps reflecting a broader sentiment among her supporters, states, “I admired her courage in refusing bail conditions to set a precedent, and being the right person at the right time.” This admiration stems not just from her personal bravery but also from her strategic stance in legal proceedings, aiming to challenge the system’s overreach.

“Cell 22” isn’t just a political memoir; it’s a human story about finding one’s voice, confronting personal demons, and standing up against what one perceives as injustice. Monica Smit, through her narrative, invites readers to reflect on the cost of freedom, the nature of governance, and the power of individual action in the face of collective oppression. Her journey, as detailed in the book, from a life of parties to becoming a symbol of resistance, is a testament to the transformative power of conviction and the enduring human spirit in dark times.