#LetThemStay: protesters gather around Australia to prevent return of asylum seekers to Nauru – live

Source: www.theguardian.com --- Wednesday, February 03, 2016
Demonstrations to be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth today as the Refugee Action Coalition calls on the government to let asylum seekers remain in Australia 3.05am GMT More than 100 people took part in the rally in the Blue Mountains this afternoon, a Twitter correspondent tells me, despite it being a “cold and rainy day”. The protest began at 12.30pm outside Leura Mall. Over 100 #BlueMountains residents rally calling on the Aust Govt to #LetThemStay despite the HCA decision http://pic.twitter.com/FDqlJvIkrd #BlueMountains residents rally in #Leura outraged that the Aust Govt could send refugees back to Nauru #LetThemStay http://pic.twitter.com/eFKgrAfwX2 2.57am GMT Immigration Minister Peter Dutton insists the federal government won’t be dragging asylum seekers out of churches to cart them back to Nauru, AAP reports. Up to 10 Anglican churches around Australia are offering sanctuary to the people at risk of being returned to the Pacific island nation in the wake of a failed High Court challenge. “We have to be compassionate on one hand but we have to be realistic about the threat from people smugglers. “We’re acting in the best interests not only for these children but children that would follow them.” Continue reading... ...

from Australia http://ift.tt/1SImkKe