Indigenous Aussies Launch Spontaneous Attack on Oz PM Gillard
by warra Wednesday, Jan 25 2012, 11:15pm
national / imperialism / other press

Incensed by comments opposition leader Abbott made, inferring that Aborigines were better off today, a group of protesters from the Aboriginal tent embassy in Canberra surrounded a Restaurant the PM and opposition leader were lunching in.

There is no doubt that security was caught flat-footed by the surprise protest, the fear on Gillard's face was palpable. Perhaps now she realises a little of the terror her US support/policies inflict on others.

As representatives of the mass murdering British Crown, Aboriginal protesters were justified in their non-violent attack on Gillard and Abbott. Justice MUST be served and compensation/reparations made for genocide and the destruction of numerous tribal cultures. Notwithstanding pursuing criminal proceedings in local and international courts against the Crown and Australian government for their GENOCIDAL policies and heinous treatment of indigenous Australians since the colonial invasion.

Terrified Juliar Gillard clings to her bodyguard

ABC report follows:

Dozens of police and security guards have rescued Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott from a group of angry protesters who had surrounded a Canberra restaurant.

The Prime Minister stumbled as she was rushed to an awaiting vehicle and was helped up by security officials who were confronted by the protesters.

It appears the mob was incensed by remarks made by Mr Abbott earlier in the day in which he said he thought it was probably time to reconsider the relevance of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

Around 200 protesters gathered outside the restaurant near Old Parliament House where Ms Gillard was handing out medals to emergency services representatives.

Mr Abbott was also inside the building.

At least 50 police, including the riot squad, were called to the scene shortly after 2.30pm (AEDT).

The protesters, involved in a nearby event to mark the 40th anniversary of the embassy, banged on the three glass sides of the restaurant chanting "shame" and "racist".

The two leaders, protected by police and security officers, escaped out a side door after about 20 minutes.

Protesters chased their car down the road, banging on its roof and bonnet.

There had been false reports that the Prime Minister had been tackled. Ms Gillard's office confirmed she lost her footing, and a shoe, as she was dragged by security.

ACT Police Sergeant Chris Meagher says no-one was injured in the fracas and he has praised the police response.

"Immediate response - we had about 35 to 45 police respond also with the assistance of uniform police from Parliament House as well," he said.

Some of the protesters scuffled with police after the Prime Minister left but there have been no arrests.

'Invasion day'

Hundreds of people marched in the capital on the anniversary of the tent embassy, calling for land rights and Aboriginal sovereignty on what many call "invasion day".

Embassy founder Michael Anderson addressed a rally at the site.

"To hell with the Government and the courts in this country. You haven't got a high hope to take us on," he said.

"We will force these issues. Too many of our families have suffered for some bastard to get in the road."

Earlier, Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney that he thinks it is probably time to reconsider the relevance of the tent embassy.

He says he can understand why the embassy was established but he thinks times have changed for the better since then.

"I think the Indigenous people of Australia can be very proud of the respect in which they are held with every Australian," he said.

"Yes, I think a lot has changed and I think it's probably time to move on from that."
'Madness'

Mr Anderson said the comments were disrespectful.

"He said the Aboriginal embassy had to go; we heard it on a radio broadcast," he said.

"We thought no way, so we circled around the building."

He said the protesters wanted the leaders to clarify their position and whether Mr Abbott was serious about removing the embassy.

"You've got 1,000 people here peacefully protesting, and to make a statement about tearing down the embassy - it's just madness on the part of Tony Abbott.

"What he said amounts to inciting racial riots."

© 2012 ABC

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-26/riot-police-escort-gillard-abbott-from-protest/3795036