Talisman protesters enter live-fire area | Rockhampton News | Local News in Rockhampton

Talisman protesters enter live-fire area

FOUR protestors say they have entered the Shoalwater Bay Training Area this morning and are moving towards a live-fire area.

Their mission is to stop the Talisman Saber exercises, war games between Australian and US troops north of Yeppoon.

Calling themselves the "Bonhoeffer 4" after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's favourite theologian, the group is made up of:
  • Margaret Pestorius, 44, a social worker from Cairns;
  • Jarrod McKenna, 28, a school peace educator from Perth;
  • Jessica Morrison, 33, a university lecturer from Melbourne; and,
  • Reverend Simon Moyle, 32, a Baptist Minister from Melbourne.

The non-violent Christian activists released a statement on Monday calling on "Australian and US forces to cease their involvement in the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the undeclared war in Pakistan".

"We plan to be inside the area for as long as possible, and are well prepared for a long stay," the release says.

The protestors say they are putting their "bodies on the line in order to stop the US/Australian Talisman Sabert Military Exercise and jam a spoke in the wheel of war".

"These exercises are implicated in killing and injuring our sister and brothers in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including untold numbers of civilians.

"This 'war without end', as George Bush put it, has no exit strategy and no end in sight.

"We will not overcome the violent terrorism of the poor with the violent terrorism of the rich.".


 
Rockhampton Morning Bulletin  

Recent Comments

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Posted by cherrypink from Gracemere, Queensland

14 July 2009 7:39 a.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »

Protestors get a real job! Volunteer for service to help people in Zimbawe and also just Thank God you have the right to protest - a right fought for by TRAINED soldiers from the US and Australia. You wouldnt be here if the USA forces had not come to the aid of Australia for the Battle of the Coral Sea!!!!!!!

Posted by serenity from Armadale, Western Australia

15 July 2009 6:37 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »

Congrats to Jarrod and the team! So proud of you guys! Still praying. You guys are such an inspiration.

Posted by serenity from Armadale, Western Australia

15 July 2009 6:48 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »

Believe me, they do thank God that they have a right to protest - so they DO protest! And they understand that there is need in other countries. And at least one of the four is actively involved in providing aid in other countries. These people are incredibly courageous and inspiring - don't judge them based on a news article. Google them, get in touch with them and get to know their cause.

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