Weekend of protest

Anti-war and civil rights activists rallied around the country on November 5-6 to give expression to public opposition to the occupation of Iraq and the federal government's new "anti-terror" laws.

In Brisbane, the November 5 rally marched to the Australian Federal Police building chanting "John Howard: war criminal!". Keysar Trad, Islamic Friendship Association president, told the crowd: "Why does the government need to introduce such totalitarian measures? Who do they plan to invade and attack next?" Indigenous justice activist Sam Watson said, "John Howard should be arrested and tried as a war criminal. He has targeted Aborigines, workers and refugees, and now wants to further divide the country over civil liberties."

The November 5 rally in Perth was addressed by Terry Hicks, father of Guantanamo Bay prisoner David Hicks; Unions WA secretary Dave Robinson; and Greens senator Rachel Siewert. The WA Peace Network has called an emergency meeting for November 10, 6pm, at the Unions WA offices, 79 Stirling Street, Perth, to discuss action against the terror laws.

In Sydney (pictured), where 2000 people protested on November 5, the Stop the War Coalition has called a special meeting on November 14, 7pm at the University of Technology, Broadway, to discuss responses to the terror laws.

From Green Left Weekly, November 9, 2005.

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From GLW issue 648