Autonomous Collective Against Racism: NSW Police Silencing First Nations Voices
ACAR strongly denounces the NSW Police Force’s attempts to silence the voices of Indigenous peoples and the African community, who have suffered far too long under the suppression of state-sanctioned violence. Attempts by NSW Police to revoke permits for the rally and vigil scheduled for Saturday 6th June at Sydney Town Hall, less than 24 hours before the event, shows a strong disregard for the grief of First Nations peoples and their right to demonstrate against centuries of state violence in their communities.
This is in stark contrast to the previous week’s 1000-person anti-vaccination rally held in Sydney, which received less than a fraction of the police intimidation, as compared to our rally and vigil. We note the fact that, as per the advice of Premier Gladys Berejiklian, restrictions regarding schools and public places have eased significantly, and seeing the majority of public going back to work, school, and recreational activities without many extra precautions, has received very little attention from the police force, state and federal governments. It is clear that the state only wishes to utilise health concerns as a facade to dissuade and threaten people from attending an event that attempts to hold them accountable for their actions.
ACAR, as one of the organisers of tomorrow’s rally and vigil, plans to proceed as scheduled. As re-iterated by Indigenous activists today, we believe it is of utmost importance for non-Indigenous folks to show up and stand in solidarity with First Nations people in their fight to end Blak deaths in custody. As settlers on this land, we don’t get to decide that merely “raising awareness” for a movement is enough when First Nations peoples have been asking us to show our support in dismantling these systems by physically showing up.
We acknowledge that COVID-19 safety concerns are valid and have taken every precaution at our disposal; attendees are encouraged to wear masks, use hand sanitiser, and not attend if they feel ill, or have been in recent contact with anyone ill. We have organised for the distribution of free masks and hand sanitizer on the day. As well as this, marshals, including first-aid trained individuals, will be well informed of the logistics of the event, and ready to help any attendee that needs it.
We condemn the remarks of Police Commissioner David Elliot, and both Liberal and Labor MPs for pushing their support towards this decision, whose cowardice the people will not forget any time soon.
No justice, no peace.