Press release from new organisation: Anti-Imperialist Coalition 20.9.01

A gathering of activists in Auckland who came together to oppose US war plans found themselves the subject of police attention. Two police officers arrived at the meeting and asked what it was all about. The gathering sent the police on their way, but veteran activists present said that the police had never before confronted such a meeting and saw this as a sign that civil rights in New Zealand were coming under threat.

The new organisation, calling itself Anti-Imperialist Coalition, declared its opposition to terrorist attacks which targeted civilians. The coalition was also critical of US war plans and the military alliance being forged. Coalition member, Daphna Whitmore, said 'Anti-Imperialist Coalition called for New Zealand to get out of what the organisation considers is an imperialist military alliance'.

She said the coalition is concerned about the erosion of civil rights and the growth of racist attacks since September 11 events. The coalition is calling on the public to defend ethnic minorities against attack, and for workers in New Zealand to consider strike action in response to any military strike by the US-led alliance. Workers in Pakistan have already called for a General Strike on 23 September.

Anti-Imperialist Coalition will be joining other groups in a protest at Aotea Square at 5pm the day the US-led attack is launched. END

Daphna Whitmore

Phone: 276 1190 (w)

361 3458 (a/h)

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