GLW issue number 885

in

1000 people 'Fuckwalk' to defy anti-swearing laws

In opposition to the Baillieu government’s proposed fine for “offensive language or behaviour”, about 1000 people marched on June 25 at the aptly named “Fuckwalk”. The rally was the second event held in response to new powers that allow police to issue $240 on-the-spot fines for using language they deem “offensive”. Initiated through Facebook, organisers said they were surprised at the big turnout.

Greece: Struggle grows amid police violence, gov't panic

The Greek parliament defied huge popular opposition, including a 48-hour general strike, to pass the latest set of extreme austerity measures demanded by the “troika” (the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund) in return for fresh loans. However, many commentators have pointed out it is one thing to vote up the measures and another to force them on an increasingly discontented populace.

Comment and Analysis

Letter from a refugee — ‘We thank you for remembering us’

The message below was sent on June 20 — World Refugee Day — from an asylum seeker named Jaffer. Jaffer is held in Curtin detention centre in Western Australia. See also Letter from a refugee on hunger strike: 'This system broke my heart' End the live export of asylum seekers Nauru detention plan extreme, dehumanising Malaysian MP slams refugee outsourcing deal

Letter from a refugee: ‘This system broke my heart’

UPDATE — June 24: The author of this letter carried out a five-day hunger strike at the Northern Immigration Detention Centre in Darwin that began on June 20. During his hunger strike, he protested on the rooftop of the detention centre and refused to come down. He says that although he has been found to be a refugee, he does not know when his 18 month long detention will end as ASIO has not given him a security clearance. He now says that he wants to leave Australia. See also
Further Comment and Analysis