Sydneysiders outside the US Consulate

“As rain poured down last night, I thought, ‘I can’t possibly go this morning,’ but then I got on WLCentral this morning and Daniel Ellsberg has been arrested in his 80′s outside the White House, so we can brave a little rain!”

These were the thoughts of one local activist at the first Sydney, Australia, rally in support of alleged WikiLeaks whistleblower Bradley Manning. Sydneysiders were thinking of their rallying counterparts in Washington, DC, as they gathered near the United States Consulate in Martin Place on the morning of 20 March, braving the wind and rain to stand up against the mistreatment of Bradley Manning.

The small but vocal crowd chanted “Free Bradley Manning” and heard from rally organiser Michelle and Greens NSW Member of Parliament David Shoebridge. There was then an open mic where those gathered had the opportunity to speak out.

“Do we think that the truth is a crime?” said Socialist Alliance activist Paul Benedek.

“The Australian government has a lot to be ashamed of. What have we heard in support of Bradley Manning and democracy? We’ve only heard condemnation. When history judges, history will see Manning as a hero.”