MANUS ANGER
HUNDREDS of people gathered at Salamanca to voice outrage at the Federal Government’s treatment of refugees on Manus Island.
The group demanded the Government evacuate the more than 300 refugees held on the island.
Organiser Lili Calitz said about 200 Tasmanians took part in the nationwide protest.
“It went really well. We had a lot of people turn up. It shows how much Tasmanians do care about other people, that they’re willing to stand there on a pretty rainy, dreary day with umbrellas and raincoat because they’re willing to stand up for what’s right. They know that Australia is better than this,” Ms Calitz said
The protesters were given an update on the situation, heard Tasmanian Greens leader Cassie O’Connor speak and held a minute’s silence.
They placed crossed their hands over their heads in solidarity with the refugees, and directed a call to action to Tasmanian politicians.
“[They have] been held there for four years already in ongoing, indefinite detention,” Ms Calitz said.
“We’re calling on the Gov- ernment to immediately evacuate the men from Manus to Australia, and resettlement can occur later. It’s not safe.”
More than 350 protesters gathered at Sydney’s Circular Quay, where the group also held a minute’s silence for the Manus Island detainees.
Pastor Jarrod McKenna, who visited Manus Island last week, told the crowd: “The men on Manus are listening and they’re noticing you’re here and let us act in such a way that is worthy of their struggle for safety and freedom.”