Small rallies calling for the freedom of detained refugees were held at eight locations across the CBD and suburbs on June 13.
The rallies were limited in size due to emergency regulations banning gatherings of more than 20 people, and police threats to fine people if this limit was exceeded. All were peaceful, with protesters respectful of public health concerns by wearing masks and staying socially distanced.
At several locations, pre-recorded speeches from detained refugees Moz and Mehrtash were played, as well as a message from Aran Mylvaganam from the Tamil Refugee Council.
Moz said: 鈥淲e have been locked in detention for more than 2500 days鈥 and asked why the federal government is paying $355,000 a year to 鈥渕aintain this regime of torture with your taxes鈥.
鈥淲here is the opposition party?鈥 he asked. 鈥淭he silence of the Labor Party is deafening.鈥
鈥淪hame on those politicians who are silent against this cruelty鈥, he said, urging activists to 鈥減ush them and embarrass them鈥.
First Nations activist Lidia Thorpe addressed those rallying outside the Mantra Hotel in Preston, where 65 refugees are being detained.