Schapelle - Sydney Demonstration??

"Stewy" from Sydney has planned and organised a demonstration of support for Schapelle Corby in Sydney for this Thursday. Below (in bold type) is a message from "Stewy" seeking supporters to attend the demonstration.

I admire "Stewy's" committment to the cause of Schapelle, his energy and active involvement... at the same time, I am also concerned that this demonstration will be beneficial to Schapelle's cause. It is a very, very fine line... Admirably, Stewy has been very clear on the peaceful nature of the demonstration and the need for restraint in terms of attitude and banners and behaviour during the demonstration.
I encourage everyone who does attend this demonstration to remember that right now, Schapelle's life is in the hands of the Indonesians - not our Government, and consequently, we must ask ourselves what action could anyone in Australia take that would cause the Indonesians to WANT to show leniency to Schapelle. (I think we all realise that we are in no position to "force" the Indonesians to do anything!) I do not want to discourage "Stewy's enthusiasm but I do encourage action that is well thought out and for which the consequences can be predictable and benficial (to Schapelle's cause). An effective demonstration may be that the demonstrators congregate, walk to a position across the road from the Indonesian embassy and simply do no more than be present, (just silent and still - as a unified dignified group) lots of yellow ribbons, lots of yellow T-Shirts - Banners that will appeal to the compassion of the Indonesians (rather than anything antagonistic) and conduct a silent vigil... What do others think? If you are in Sydney, would you attend? What do you think would be most effective? What are the "risks" versus the "potential benefits" of demonstrating? (And look, I know there will be those of you that will want to vent your feelings but we must remember that our purpose is to support and advance Schapelle's cause, not make ourselves FEEL better)

Hello Friends,

I thank you for your support in protesting against Schapelle’s incarceration, as no doubt she would. As you all know, Thursday is sentencing day for Schapelle and after that, the battle will really commence to bring her home.

At this stage, I cannot confirm numbers for Thursday’s demonstration, all I can confirm that is alot of you have told me you will rally as many friends as possible to turn up. Weather there is 10, 20 or 100 of us on Thursday; it will pave the way for future protests to bring her home.

Thursdays protest is two pronged, the first being an appeal to the Indonesian government / Justice Ministry to intervene and free Schapelle from this clear injustice. I will attempt to make personal contact with the consulate staff to deliver a letter to be forwarded to Jakarta on behalf of “members of the Australian public“.

The second is to attack the Australian government for neglecting to intervene in Schapelle’s case.

AT ALL TIMES THE DEMONSTRATION IS TO REMAIN PEACEFUL

I will be inviting the press to attend, namely Channel 9 and the ABC. With any luck the story may go as far as ABC Asia Pacific News.

I have suggested the Indonesian consulate in Maroubra for this initial rally for ease of access as a Canberra rally will need much more time and organization to ensure an effective result.

The plan for the morning is as follows;

THURSDAY 21st April 10;00am
Meet at Coral Sea Park, Yorktown Parade Maroubra 10:00am at latest, I will be there at 9:30am
(off Fitzgerald Ave - which runs off Anzac Pde)

We will then walk to the Indonesian Consulate in Maroubra Road (on cnr Cooper Rd - for those running late!) I will be advising the press we will be there at 10:30am. I will attempt to be granted access to meet with consulate staff in order to get our letter sent to Jakarta whilst you guys show off your banners to staff , the public and the press .

Please have relevant “FREE SCHAPELLE” banners / shirts ready. Any banners / slogans referring to the Australian government’s neglect would also be suitable. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT NO ONE BRINGS ANY MATERIAL OR ATTITUDE OF A SLANDEROUS OR RACIAL NATURE TO THE RALLY - THIS WILL BE OF GREAT DETRIMENT TO SCHAPELLE’S CAUSE.

Remember that we are making a respectful plea to the Indonesian government and judicial system to FREE SCHAPELLE - any signs or attitudes of racial slurring and disrespect is totally unnecessary and will only incite Indonesians against Australians and Schapelle.

See you all on Thursday morning !