Against Police Brutality At Sydney Mardi Gras

Friday, 8 March 2013, 10:30 am
Press Release: Queer Avengers

Queer Avengers: Against Police Brutality At Sydney Mardi Gras

Aotearoa/NZ group the Queer Avengers oppose the police brutality seen at Sydney Mardi Gras. Police reportedly carried out a number of assaults, and were filmed slamming a teenager’s head against the road after the parade was over.

“Police brutality is obscene,” says Queer Avenger Kassie Hartendorp, “Whether at Mardi Gras, in the Northern Territory or the Torres Strait. We stand in solidarity with all who face police brutality internationally.” Hartendorp says that police brutality further reinforces the marginalisation of queers, and other oppressed groups.

The Queer Avengers also oppose internal inquests. “Just like the army here, the Australian police have an incentive to protect their own,” says Hartendorp. “Any alternative will have to be community-directed.”

The Queer Avengers will be protesting outside the Australian Embassy at 6pm on Friday the 8th of March, in solidarity with a protest action in Sydney.

The Queer Avengers are available for comment on any LGBT issues. Please contact Ian Anderson at thequeeravengers@gmail.com

ENDS

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