Council tries to ban free speech rally
By Emma Webb
ADELAIDE — Around 100 people attended a rally for free speech in Rundle Mall on June 26, despite attempts by Adelaide City Council to prevent the action from going ahead. The protesters were condemning the council's month-long campaign to ban Green Left Weekly sellers from the mall.
Speakers at the rally included Stephen Spence from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Anthony Benbow from Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor; Andy Alcock from Campaign for an Independent East Timor; Bill Fisher; and Melanie Sjoberg, the Democratic Socialists' candidate for the federal seat of Hindmarsh. All speakers stressed the importance of Green Left as an independent voice for progressive campaigns.
The council had refused permission for the rally on the grounds that it is "dangerous" to have too many people in the mall at one time. Yet, while the rally was happening, a group of tap dancers were performing nearby. The council's discrimination against Green Left Weekly supporters' presence in the mall was pointed out to the council security officers present.
On the same day, the authorities' attempts to silence Green Left escalated with Central Market management trying to bar paper sellers from their regular spots at the market, without providing a reason.
People who want to support the Green Left Weekly free speech campaign are invited to attend a campaign meeting at 2pm on Sunday, July 5 at the Resistance Centre, 34a Hindley Street, Adelaide, or phone 8231 6982.