Nonviolent Resistance in Australia to U.S. War on Afghanistan
Solidarity | 05.07.2011 11:25
Every two years, 20,000 U.S. miitary arrive for live fire joint exercises "Operation Talisman Sabre" with approx 7,000 Australian troops, primarily based in central Queensland but also involving bases throughoout Australia and the U.S. Australia has a long history of seeking peace and security in the service of empire - British & U.S.
This has taken Australians to Aotearoa, Sudan, South Africa, Gallipoi, Malaysia, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan to kill and die in imperial wars that hav nothing to do with the defense of Australia. OperatiOn Talisman Sabre has become a time of focus for nonviolent resistance to U.S./Australian War on Afghanistan. Some folks have travelled to Rockhampton, central Quensland to take action, while others are focused on an SAS Base at Swan sland near Melbourne.
Here are some images and reports of resistance to OTS 09......
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/93100?search_text=talis...sabre
Followed by reports on resistance during OTS 11
Swan Island Peace Convergence Day 2: Four activists arrested blockading base
Anti war activists have geared up their protest by blocking access to the secretive Swan Island military base near Queenscliff at 6am today (Tuesday 5 July 2011). Four protesters have already been arrested this morning as about 40 local and visiting activists converged in the small town in protest against Australia’s continuing participation in the US-lead war in Afghanistan.Co-organiser Jessica Morrison said many activists were prepared to be arrested for the cause.
“We are fully prepared to be arrested using non-violent civil disobedience,” Ms Morrison said. ”The majority of Australians agree that our troops must come home, but to date our government has been ignoring us. We cannot stand by while Australians and innocent Afghan citizens are killed by our military”.
PHOTOGRAPHS & ARTICLES CONTINUED HERE........
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/05/swan-island-peace-co...-base
Here are some images and reports of resistance to OTS 09......
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/93100?search_text=talis...sabre Followed by reports on resistance during OTS 11
Swan Island Peace Convergence Day 2: Four activists arrested blockading base
Anti war activists have geared up their protest by blocking access to the secretive Swan Island military base near Queenscliff at 6am today (Tuesday 5 July 2011). Four protesters have already been arrested this morning as about 40 local and visiting activists converged in the small town in protest against Australia’s continuing participation in the US-lead war in Afghanistan.Co-organiser Jessica Morrison said many activists were prepared to be arrested for the cause.
“We are fully prepared to be arrested using non-violent civil disobedience,” Ms Morrison said. ”The majority of Australians agree that our troops must come home, but to date our government has been ignoring us. We cannot stand by while Australians and innocent Afghan citizens are killed by our military”.
PHOTOGRAPHS & ARTICLES CONTINUED HERE........
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/05/swan-island-peace-co...-base
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Update Swan Island action
06.07.2011 06:02
INTERVIEW (2 mins) with Rev. Simon Moyle
7pm, 5 July 2011
Four Swan Island Military Base Protestors arrested and face court today
On the day that the 28th soldier death was announced, a group of protestors picketed the Swan Island military base in Queenscliff to demand that Australia end its involvement in the war in Afghanistan. Four of the group were arrested.
The four protestors who are part of the 2011 Swan Island Peace Convergence were charged with Hindering Police and Obstructing a Roadway. All charges were heard today in the Geelong Magistrate Court. All were convicted on the charges but no penalty was recorded.
Magistrate McGarvie stated that she took into account of the impassioned statements against the war of the defendants and that their position had much public support.
Arrestee Simon Moyle, a Baptist Minister aged 34, stated:
“Ten years to this war it has created nothing but death and destruction. Passive opinions have changed nothing, it is clear civil disobedience is now necessary to take a stand against the war.”
Arrestee Sharon Turley, aged 28, a professional musician from Adelaide stated:
“While we continue to wage war true peace is impossible. I am just an ordinary person standing in solidarity with the forgotten victims of this war.”
Arrestee Jarod McKenna, preacher and peace award recipient aged 30, stated:
“I don’t think we can underestimate the significance of the Magistrate’s decision to add yet another precedent for resisting this unwinnable war, coinciding with the death of another Australian soldier”.
The fourth arrestee was Carole Powell a nurse aged 57. In court she shared emotionally about the effect of caring for injured military personal.
The Swan Island Peace Convergence will continue until Friday with plans to continue to blockade the base each day. More arrests are expected.
Photos of Blockade of Swan Island
Update Swan Island action