UPDATED: International Day of Action: Stop the Genocide on Stolen Aboriginal Land

A mass rally will be held in Melbourne on Saturday 14 July, 12:30 pm, as part of an International Day of Action in opposition to the government's escalation of attacks on Indigenous communities and the denial of justice for Mulrunji and other Indigenous people who have been killed in police custody.

Greg Fryer, spokesperson for the Indigenous Social Justice Association, said, "Whilst the Labour opposition has cowardly failed to oppose the sending of police and military forces into Indigenous communities this rally shows that there is massive community opposition to these polices, by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”

"Howard's intervention goes directly against the recommendations in the Little Children are Sacred Report. Instead, we support the many community-controlled initiatives already underway in Indigenous communities to improve the quality of lives for Indigenous children, women and men. If the politicians were serious about protecting the rights of Indigenous children they would support these community controlled initiatives and provide proper funding."

“At the same time that the federal Government is implementing this despicable land grab the Palm Island community is mourning the denial of justice for Mulrunji after the acquittal of Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley. Indigenous lands continue to be destroyed by mining corporations, and many communities do not have proper health and education services."

On 20/06/07, Brisbane cop Chris Hurley was acquitted of manslaughter and assault of Mulrunji Doomadgee, despite the deputy State Coroner deeming him, responsible for the injuries suffered by Mulrunji Doomadgee leading to his death in the Palm Island watch-house in November 2004. Mr Doomadgee suffered four broken ribs, a ruptured portal vein and severely split liver as result of being struck during what has been described as a watch-house scuffle involving the Police.

Actions are being held through out Australia, New Zealand and in London. A call for a tourist boycott of Australia has begun circulating in the International community.