Protest over arrests of Los Palos Six

By Kerryn Williams

CANBERRA -- Responding to a call by the Dublin-based East Timor Solidarity Campaign for worldwide actions to protest against the British government's jailing of six East Timorese activists, a demonstration was held outside the British High Commission here on November 28.

Large banners were erected on the lawns declaring “British Aerospace provides tools of genocide” and “Stop arming Indonesia”.

Known as the Los Palos Six, the Timorese were arrested with three other activists for trespassing on a British Aerospace airfield. Despite Labour PM Tony Blair's pre-election promises, Britain continues to supply arms to the Indonesian military, including Hawk ground attack aircraft and riot control equipment.

The six Timorese appeared before the Lytham magistrates court on November 21. They entered chanting defiantly and refused to give their names “in solidarity with the nameless dead of East Timor”.

Those charged will appear again in court on December 8. Police have reportedly handed over the Los Palos Six to immigration authorities.

Supporters of East Timor are urged to fax statements of concern to the British consulates in their capital city on December 8.

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