Tomorrow I will be taking part in the Human Rights Torch Relay in Brisbane City to protest the ongoing human rights abuses in China – in spite of the undertakings that China made in order to secure their Olympic bid.
I first mentioned the relay in my blog post about a Chinese human rights lawyer disappearing shortly after I’d gotten his book (here).
I will be carrying the torch along Adelaide Street at about 1pm or thereabouts. At 2pm there is a ceremony at Suncorp Piazza, South Bank.
Speakers include Senator Andrew Bartlett and Greens senate candidate Larissa Waters.
Performers will include KATIE NOONAN from george, Maggie Noonan, soprano and Songlines, an Indigenous Community Choir.
I would encourage everyone to come along to the relay – wherever you live, as it is circling the country – to show your support for human rights, and to show that we value human lives more than sporting epics.
From the organisers site:
About the Human Rights Torch Relay
The Human Rights Torch Relay is an international campaign that seeks to bring an end to all human rights abuses against people in China, while highlighting the persecution of Falun Gong – the most severely persecuted group in China today. During the run up to the 2008 Olympics, the HRTR will host events in 37 countries across 5 continents to present its message:
The Olympics and Crimes Against Humanity Cannot Coexist in China.
The official Human Rights Torch Relay website.
Photos from the day.
Me and Vicki Stocks the Democrat candidate for Bonner carrying the Human Rights Torch down Adelaide Street.
Senator Bartlett addressing the crowd.
But the day was actually stolen by a surprise musical guest who wandered up out of the crowd and joined Katie Noonan onstage for one of her songs…
nice pictures!