[Green-Activist] TONIGHT: Demonstrations against Cheney- Sydney - GREENS SUPPORT CHENEY PROTESTS

[Anne Goddard]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GreenLeft_discussion/message/39497
Greens support Cheney protests 
Posted by: "Peter Boyle" peterb at greenleft.org.au   pgb55au 
Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:39 pm (PST) 
MEDIA RELEASE
22 February 2007

Greens call on police to respect right to protest against war

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on the NSW
Police to respect this evening's anti war rally coinciding with the
visit of US Vice President Dick Cheney. Ms Rhiannon will speak at Sydney
Town Hall this evening.

"Moves by the NSW Police to shut down this anti-war rally are
unnecessary and antagonistic. I urge the NSW Police to allow the protest 
this
evening to go ahead", said Ms Rhiannon.

"Protestors are being painted as the culprits of 'unacceptable traffic
disruption' but it is actually the free reign his Mr Cheney's cavalcade
are being given over the Sydney CBD that will cause traffic chaos.

"As well as changing the laws to allow Mr Cheney's bodyguards to bring
guns to Sydney, the Minister for Police has authorised the closure of
CBD streets while Mr Cheney makes his way around the city.

"Making all of the lights green for Mr Cheney will be the cause of
traffic chaos, not the planned peaceful protest.

"This latest move is part of a growing crackdown on freedom of speech
and the democractic right to protest in NSW. The Greens support the
right to peaceful protest.

"This rally is an important opportunity for the people of Sydney to
show their opposition to the US occupation of Iraq.

"I congratulate the Stop the War Coalition on organising this peaceful
protest", said Ms Rhiannon.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

Lee Rhiannon will speak at the rally at Sydney Town Hall at 5:30pm this
evening. Greens MP Ian Cohen will speak at the anti-war rally on the
corner of George St and Essex St at 8am tomorrow. 

MEDIA RELEASE - 22 February 2007

Labor rolls over for Cheney: NSW police snubbed

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today criticised the NSW government*s decision
to allow bodyguards of US Vice President, Dick Cheney to carry guns.
She also warned against blaming protesters for any disruption his visit may
cause.

"Premier Morris Iemma made a serious mistake when he agreed to change
the law so that armed US secret service agents can come into Sydney,"
Ms Rhiannon said.

"There was no need for the Vice President's body guards to bring guns.

"Local police and security personnel have the experience to protect all
leading public figures.

"The Premier's statements effectively say that our local police and
security forces are not up to the job of protecting the Vice President.
This is an insult.

"The Greens are concerned that this hasty change to accommodate Mr
Cheney's gun interest will set a precedent.

"The Premier should have the decency to apologise to local police and
security and acknowledge that they are up to the job of protecting Mr
Cheney.

"People protesting against the visit should not be the scapegoat for
any disruption caused by Mr Cheney's visit to Sydney.

"In a democracy people have a right to protest. It is the event, not
the protesting, that will drive disruption.

"The chaos caused by this week*s cruise liners* visit shows that
planning for a big event is not the government's forte," Ms Rhiannon
said.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

--------------------------------------------------
Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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