Hundreds of pro-refugee protesters rallied in Melbourne on February 27, calling on political leaders to let refugees stay and close the prison camps.
The action was called in response to a visit by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition leader Bill Shorten to the Lonsdale St Greek Festival. People chanted “Turnbull, Shorten. Blood on your hands” and “Let them stay" as they arrived on the stage.
The action was called by Refugee Action Collective and First Nations Liberation.
Earlier, the protesters marched around the festival. Heavy-handed police prevented them from approaching the main stage.
Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews has called on Turnbull to let the 267 refugees stay in Australia rather than be sent to Nauru. The refugee movement is also calling for an end to mandatory detention of asylum seekers.
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