PERTH — On January 11, around 30 people gathered outside the ANZ bank in the Murray Street Mall for a speakout against the bank’s profiting from the war in Iraq.

The protest was called by Resistance to highlight the true nature of the US-led occupation of Iraq and to demand the immediate withdrawal of troops. After protesters chanted and distributed information sheets for 40 minutes, the police decided to shut the action down.

The police confiscated a banner, two megaphones and other materials. When the protesters tried to retrieve the equipment, demanding to know why their freedom of speech was being denied, the police arrested Resistance activists Mark Kojan and Ben Cavali.

Several police officers failed to provide any identification and refused to give a clear explanation of the reason for their actions. The activists were later released and will defend charges of hindering police, disorderly conduct, refusing particulars (failing to show identification) and resisting arrest, on February 16.

Anti-war activists will gather outside the bank again on February 18 to defend their freedom of speech and to continue to oppose the illegal occupation of Iraq.

Trent Hawkins

From Green Left Weekly, February 16, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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