Responding to attempts by NSW police to ban peaceful protests in Sydney tomorrow, Amnesty International Australia Campaigner, Joel Clark, said:
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental human right, and the NSW police should work with organisers to ensure that attendees can social distance, and protests can be carried out in a safe manner. Police must also commit to not fine anyone inadvertently breaking a Covid-19 guideline.
“Many Australians have been affected by the murder of George Floyd, and many Australians know that the same issues are part of everyday life for many Australians, particularly Indigenous people and people of colour. Racism cannot be tolerated any longer, and the public must be able to use their voice to call it out.
“Amnesty calls on attendees to respect social distancing: maintain a 1.5 meter distance, wear masks, and wash their hands frequently.”
When courageous people protest, they make the world a better place. We must protect the right to protest wherever it is restricted and whenever it is at risk.
For Write for Rights 2022, we are taking action for brave individuals from 10 different countries, who have all paid a great price for speaking truth to power. We run Write for Rights every year because it works – real change happens when ordinary people come together to take action.
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