Fed: Thousands rally around country against mandatory detention

00-00-0000
Fed: Thousands rally around country against mandatory detention

Thousands of Australians have joined rallies around the country today in a sign ofgrowing public opposition to the federal government's policy of mandatory detention forasylum seekers.

At least 3,500 people have joined refugee activists, Aboriginal and religious leaders,politicians and unionists in peaceful demonstrations in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

The greatest opposition has been felt in Melbourne, where more than 2,000 people haveignored the cool and wet weather to voice their opposition to the detention centres.

Children and the elderly walked together from the city square to the state libraryin a silent demonstration through the city streets.

In Sydney, up to 1,000 people have vowed to follow Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCKwherever he goes until detention centres are closed.

And in Perth, a record 500 people have been joined by prominent citizens includingthe Anglican and Catholic Archbishops and politicians, in a march through the city streets.

AAP RTV ce/tb

KEYWORD: DETENTION PROTEST (MELBOURNE)