On Monday a protest at the Woomera, WA detention centre broke out in
protest at conditions. Protesters were tear gassed and sprayed with water
cannons.
These prisoners in Woomera -- as in the other refugee internment camps --
have been incarcerated without charge, without trial, without any ability
to access the courts to review the length or merit of their incarceration.
Ruddock and the ALP scoff at those who protest these obvious human rights
abuses: yet mandatory sentencing of refugees goes against UN
recommendations and virtually no other first world government dares to act
in such a way against refugees.
Most of those held at Woomera have been there for over seven months, most
of whom face the prospect of being forcibly returned to Iran, Afghanistan
and Iraq.
The government clearly wants to scapegoat the poor, non-white, desperate
asylum seekers who arrive by boat. Most "illegal" immigration comes from
Britain and New Zealand, but we don't see the government accusing these
people of leeching of "Australians": they're white, from a first world and
can be "assimilated" more easily.
Most of the asylum seekers are driven from their countries because of
political repression: all of whom would qualify for refugee status under
Australian law. But Ruddock and co. don't want us to feel empathy for them:
that would upset their scapegoating plan!
These protests the prisoners are waging must be supported by all people!
Resistance and the Democratic Socialist Party are calling an action on
Friday 1st September, 5pm at the Bourke St. Mall, Melb, at the GPO.
Endorsements and speakers are to follow: (we've just called the thing)
Pls email me or ring the Resistance Office to endorse and ask for speakers
at the rally.
Rach: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Res Office: 9639 8622
Refugees Rights are Human Rights!
Come and demand:
Release ALL Asylum Seekers from Detention Centres!
End Mandatory Detention of Boat Arrivals!
Immediate Legal Advise for Refugees!
No waiting period for welfare for Refugees!
Free English courses for all migrants!
LL.VI
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