‘March in March’ – the Melbourne Rally and March, 16 March 2014

Posted on March 16, 2014 by melbourneprotests

Melbourne responded to the callout (see http://marchinmarchaustralia.org/ and the Melbourne march Facebook page) with one of the largest rallies since the 2003 protests against the war in Iraq. Figures varied widely, as usual, but we are rather inclined to the upper end of the claims, or towards 50,000. It was also one of the most varied, and in recognition of this we are posting the largest selection of images so far on this site for one event. There is also a choice of thumbnail/gallery or slideshow, the latter comprising lower resolution copies. It may be in order to post a few separately:

A very small part of the rally at the State Library

The holder of this flag told us it was 45 years old – dating back to moratorium days

Placard in German - 'These crimes, your blame'

International contribution

: A very small part of the rally at the State Library

: The holder of this flag told us it was 45 years old – dating back to moratorium days

: International contribution

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Pussy Riot Solidarity Action – 10 October 2012

Posted on October 10, 2012 by melbourneprotests

There was a brief but loud and colourful solidarity action this afternoon at the State Library in Melbourne in support of jailed members of Russian Punk band Pussy Riot. Peter from Anarchist Black Cross Melbourne was MC, and the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective contributed amongst other things an English version of the “Punk’s Prayer” which Pussy Riot members originally performed in an Orthodox church, which in turn led to the arrest of the three women currently appealing their two-year jail sentences.
See http://freepussyriot.org

Free Pussy Riot – Candlelight Vigil Melbourne 17 August 2012

Posted on August 17, 2012 by melbourneprotests

Melbourne’s contribution to the International Day of Solidarity called by supporters of jailed Pussy Riot members awaiting judgement and sentence (now found guilty and sentenced to two years jail – http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-17/judge-finds-pussy-riot-guilty-of-hooliganism/4207014) was a candlight vigil at the old GPO building in Bourke Street. Despite the cold and a forecast of hail and thunder there was a good turnout, including quite a good proportion of suitably clad sympathisers:

Proceedings included the reading of a statement by Marisa of Anarchist Black Cross Melbourne and the announcement of a free punk rock music compilation ‘My Pussy Riot’ by Sydney supporters My Sydney Riot, as well as rap from Izzy Brown.

[Added 31 August - there is a fuller account of the rally by Bec Zajac in newmatilda.com]

Video is on its way (added, see below).

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An earlier rally in support of Pussy Riot which we were not able to attend was reported at the time on Melbourne Indymedia. A list of places around the world taking part in today’s action can be found on the Free Pussy Riot website.