> PLEASE SPREAD WIDELY
There are two more opportunities to protest against the Howard government's
attacks on refugees: RAC (Refugee Action Collective) encourages all
anti-racists and supporters of refugee rights to attend at least one of
these and continue the fight to "Free the Refugees":
1. Rally against the deportation of the Bedraie family, planned for 6
September by Immigration Minister Ruddock. RAC has called a rally at the
Department of Immigration (2 Lonsdale St, cnr Spring St, City)---12.30pm
(lunchtime) MONDAY 3 September.
Speakers include :
Barney Cooney, Labor Senator for Victoria;
Zahra, refugee;
Officials from ACTU and Trades Hall
RAC speaker, Simon O'Neill
Chaired by Judy McVey
The Bedraie family , including the 6 year old traumatised by months in
detention, featured on Four Corners recently. They are Kurds from Iran, and
face certain death if returned to Iran. The 6 year old boy was not sick
before being incarcerated in Australia's detention centres.
2. ALSO on Monday 3 September, at 2.30pm, at the Exhibition Building, John
Howard and Steve Bracks will be conducting a ceremony to mark one hundred
years of the Australian flag--day of shame they should call it.
*Please bring placards and noise makers. ALSO bring completed copies of
petitions see below.
* On Saturday, 1 September, RAC will be in the Bourke St Mall at the GPO
(Elizabeth St and Bourke St) from 12.00 noon talking to people and
leafleting. Pls turn up and chat or help out.
Phone Judy 0418 347 374 OR Simon 0402 413 914 for further info.
PETITION
LET THEM STAY - LET THEM IN
Don't let Ruddock deport the Bedraie family
The Bedraie family, featured on the Four Corners program on the detention of
asylum seekers in Australia, has been given 14 days notice of deportation.
Mohammed, the father, is a Kurdish activist who faces almost certain death
if he is returned to Iran. Shayan, their six year son, is desperately ill
due to his experience in detention. Urgent action is needed to stop this
travesty of justice.
On top of this the Howard Government has used SAS-troops to stop the Tampa
from docking at Christmas Island, denying 438 boat people the right to
safety and aslyum. Disgracefully this action has been backed by Labor leader
Kim Beazley
We, the undersigned, call on the Australian government to:
(1) immediately lift the threat of deportation against the Bedraie family;
(2) unconditionally release the family from detention;
(3) let the 438 refugees on the Tampa into Australia; and
(4) recognise Australia's obligation to the UN convention on refugees by
ending the policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers.
NAME SIGNATURE ADDRESS
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