Protests commemorate Dili massacre

Issue 

Protests commemorate Dili massacre

Demonstrations in many Australian cities on November 12 and the following Saturday marked the first anniversary of the massacre of East Timorese civilians at the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili by Indonesian troops.

In Sydney (pictured, photo by Gail Lord), 500 people attended a mass and marched to Town Hall. Some 1000 joined the Melbourne protest.

In Adelaide, demonstrators outside Santos House released 300 balloons in memory of those who died. Santos, along with BP and BHP, is a major investor in the exploration for oil in the Timor Gap.

Chanting "Indonesia out of East Timor, Australia out of the Gap", and "Suharto is a butcher, don't fly Garuda", demonstrators in Perth disrupted work at the offices of the Indonesian national airline.

In Brisbane, there was an overnight vigil followed by a procession to King George Square.

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.