The march about to set off
A few photos from the rally and march held in Melbourne in support of the people of Gaza – more pics and video from Takver on http://sydney.indymedia.org.au/story/cartoonist-blasts-rudd-government-over-gaza (follow the links). The Age carried a report from Andra Jackson: http://www.theage.com.au/national/thousands-march-in-melbourne-against-gaza-war-20090118-7jyx.html
Speakers at the State Library and subsequently at Parliament House included Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and former Democrats leader Lyn Allison, as well as well-known cartoonist Michael Leunig (video on YouTube: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie48aEBOa3g). Sheik Fehmi Naji El_Imam, Grand Mufti of Australia/New Zealand, was to have spoken, but was too unwell to attend, and his address was read to the crowd.
After initial speeches at the State Library the rally set off for Parliament House, making a detour on the way to protest outside the Egyptian consulate, condemning what speakers described as that government’s complicity in Israel’s actions. At Parliament House there were further speakers, and a number of flags were burned.
Part of the crowd at the State Library
Another view of the crowd
Some of the placards and banners at the rally:
Placards at rally
One of the banners
More placards
Another placard - Human Rights for Palestinians
Placard - Will you say you didn't know?
A comment on the the Australian Government
Some photos taken on the march:
On the march - 1
On the march - 2
On the march - 3. The Mall.
On the march - 4. Placard.
The march halts at the Egyptian Consulate
At Parliament House:
Part of the crowd at Parliament House
Some flags and banners on the steps
Placard at Parliament House
Placards called for a boycott of Israel
Crowd surrounding burning of Israeli flag
Smoke from another flag-burning
