Cheney protesters and police face-off
SMH | Friday, 23 February 2007
Around 80 anti-war protesters chanting "Chain up Cheney, free David Hicks," are facing off with police who are blocking their path towards Sydney's Shangri-la Hotel, where US Vice President Dick Cheney was due to speak this morning.
One of those voicing their concern is 18-year-old Miles, who said he was protesting against the war in Iraq and the incarceration of David Hicks.
"But I'm here for all Australians' liberty, not just Hicks," he said.
" I'm not saying he should be let go, I'm just saying he deserves a fair trial."
A small group of Dick Cheney supporters also showed up and were engaged in a heated argument with protesters over war in Iraq.
They were carrying a $1200 professionally-made banner covered in American and Australian flags, with the words: "The world needs great men like Dick Cheney. We Love America."
One of the Cheney supporters, John Ruddick, 36, from Sydney's north shore, said it was about time Australians who support America had a counter point to the left wing.
"I think the whole world owes a big thank you to the US and to the hard men of the US like Dick Cheney," he said.
One of the Cheney supporters was heard shouting, "You just hate America, baby," at one of the protesters.
"Don't call me baby, you're sexist," the protester responded.
PROTESTERS ARRESTED
A teenage boy was among eight people arrested during what police say was "unlawful protest action" before the arrival of Mr Cheney last night.
Seven males, aged 16 to 53 and a woman, 26, were arrested as scuffles broke out between protesters and officers, including mounted police, who tried to push the crowd into Sydney's Town Hall Square.
The protesters were among several hundred people who demonstrated against the war in Iraq, the planned increase of Australian troops in the region, and the imprisonment of David Hicks.
Seven protesters were charged with assault police, obstruct traffic, malicious damage, inciting crowd violence, resist arrest and offensive conduct and language, police said.
Six of the adults arrested yesterday will appear in court on 15 March, while the 16-year-old male was issued a caution under the Young Offenders Act.
Protest organisers spent the afternoon in talks with police, negotiating whether they could march to the US consulate in Martin Place.
Yesterday afternoon police advised they would not allow the 5.30pm rally to go ahead because it would cause traffic chaos.
After 15 minutes of pushing against police and the eight arrests, the protesters agreed to walk along the footpath to the consulate.
Police said three officers suffered minor injuries during the protest.
Meanwhile Cheney used his speach to say the United States and its allies could not afford to abandon Iraq and other countries that could provide a haven for terrorists.
"The notion that free countries can turn our backs on what happens in places like Afghanistan or Iraq or any other possible safe haven for terrorists is an option that we simply cannot indulge," he said.
