THOUSANDS of protesters are expected to rally against the war across Australia this week.
Rallies will be held in all capitals at 5pm on the day bombs strike Baghdad, tipped to be tomorrow, Friday or Saturday.
But the lack of warning means organisers are wary of predicting a repetition of hundred-thousand strong rallies seen in February.
In Melbourne yesterday, the protest movement got off to a start with a small vigil outside the State Library between 4pm and 6pm.
The day bombs fall, marchers will meet at the library before heading to the Victoria Army Barracks, where the Defence Signals Directorate will be a focus of protest.
Victoria Peace Network spokesman David Spratt said the declaration of war was a monstrous act.
"Right here in Melbourne, at the barracks, we are transmitting satellite intelligence from Pine Gap to the Pentagon, and people need to understand that," he said.
Protesters will be joined by Youth Against the War marchers, who will meet at Federation Square at 4.30pm. The following day another mass rally will be held at noon at Trades Hall.
Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Leigh Hubbard said workers had a democratic right to express their opposition to the war.
"There is no way we can support such an atrocity with or without the blessing of the United Nations," he said.
Unionists will also hold workplace meetings on Thursday, March 27 at 10.45am to draft statements opposing the war.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6149076%255E2862,00.html
