Palestine supporters target US consulate and Pine Gap
Rachael Ward |
Two people have been arrested after Palestine supporters staged a demonstration outside the United States Consulate in Melbourne.
Another protest took place near Pine Gap defence facility in the Northern Territory on Monday morning.
The entrance to the consulate’s office on St Kilda Road in the Victorian capital was seen splattered with red paint.
Signs reading “stop the genocide”, “close Pine Gap” and a Palestinian flag were hung from temporary fencing and placed on the ground.
More than a dozen demonstrators attended and some made speeches.
Victoria Police said two people were arrested for obstructing police.
Protesters are also targeting the Australian-US military facility Pine Gap, near Alice Springs, claiming Israeli defence forces rely on information gathered there.
Northern Territory police confirmed they had received reports of protest activity at 4.40am on Monday on Hatt Road, about 100m from the Stuart Highway turn-off to Pine Gap.
No one has been arrested and traffic diversions are in place.
It came as the inner city and Maribyrnong regions of the Australian Education Union Victoria branch started a planned week of action in solidarity with Palestine aimed at teaches and school staff.
A flyer advertising the event encouraged members to take a photo or recording of staff with flags, invite Palestinian advocates to speak at schools and take other actions.
A spokesperson for the Australian Education Union said they did not endorse the flyer or action.
AAP
