East Timor independence rally

Issue 

East Timor independence rally

By Adrian Gibbs

CANBERRA — About 300 East Timorese and their supporters marched under the unity flag from Parliament House to the Indonesian embassy on July 19. The event marked the anniversary of East Timor's illegal annexation by Indonesia.

The vocal crowd called for Indonesian troops to get out of East Timor, a referendum on self-determination and the release of all political prisoners, including Xanana Gusmao.

Outside the embassy, East Timorese representative Agio Pereira, Bishop Pat Powers and Bernard Collaery, a human rights lawyer spoke. Collaery said the Australian government should reject Indonesia's continued denial of self-determination for East Timor and actively support the independence aspirations of the overwhelming majority of East Timorese.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.