Australian anti-war protesters took to the streets of Melbourne for a second consecutive day on Thursday, to voice their opposition against a military and defense expo being held in the city. The demonstration, organized by various activist groups including Extinction Rebellion, saw a large turnout of passionate individuals who were determined to make their voices heard.
The protesters gathered outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the expo was being held, with signs and banners that read “No War, No More”, “Invest in Peace, Not in Weapons”, and “War is Not the Answer”. The atmosphere was charged with energy and determination, as the protesters chanted slogans and sang songs of peace and unity.
The expo, known as the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defense Exposition, is a biennial event that showcases the latest military and defense technology and equipment from around the world. It is organized by the Australian Department of Defence and attracts thousands of visitors, including military personnel and defense contractors.
However, for the protesters, the expo represents the glorification of war and the perpetuation of violence and conflict. They believe that investing in weapons and military technology only leads to more wars and suffering, and that the money could be better spent on promoting peace and addressing pressing global issues such as climate change.
One of the organizers of the protest, spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, stated, “We are here to send a clear message to our government and the world that we do not support the glorification of war and the arms race. We want our leaders to invest in peace and diplomacy, not in weapons and war.”
The protest also highlighted the impact of the military and defense industry on the environment. Extinction Rebellion, a global environmental movement, believes that the production and use of weapons contribute significantly to climate change and environmental destruction. They called for a shift towards a more sustainable and peaceful world, where resources are invested in addressing the pressing issues of our time.
The protesters were joined by a diverse group of individuals, including students, veterans, and families. They all shared a common goal – to promote peace and condemn the glorification of war.
One of the participants, a student from Melbourne, said, “I am here today because I believe that war is not the answer. We need to invest in education, healthcare, and other social services, not in weapons. I want a future where my children can grow up without the fear of wars and violence.”
The protest was peaceful and well-organized, with the organizers ensuring that safety measures were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The demonstrators maintained social distancing and wore masks, while also distributing hand sanitizers and encouraging regular hand washing.
The protest also received support from various organizations and political figures, including the Greens party and independent MP Andrew Wilkie. They commended the protesters for their peaceful and powerful demonstration and called for a shift towards a more peaceful and sustainable world.
The demonstration ended with a powerful statement read out by the organizers, stating, “We stand here today in solidarity with all those who have been affected by war and violence. We call on our government and leaders around the world to invest in peace, not in war. We want a future where our children can grow up in a world free from the fear of wars and violence. Let us work towards a more peaceful and sustainable world together.”
The protest was a powerful reminder that there are many voices in Australia who are opposed to the glorification of war and the arms race. The passionate and peaceful demonstration showcased the determination of the protesters to promote peace and unity, and their message was loud and clear – war is not the answer.
