**Updated article with new signatories
A statement signed by 65 prominent Australians expresses opposition to the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister this week because of his Government’s policies towards the Palestinians.
The statement is signed by
- senior legal professionals – including former Solicitor General Gavan Griffith QC, and former Federal Court judge Murray Rutledge Wilcox
- former parliamentarians –and diplomats including Jon Stanhope, former ACT Chief Minister, former ALP Minister The Hon Alan Griffin, and Ambassador Bruce Haigh
- senior clergy – including Bishop George Browning, Bishop Pat Power and former Uniting Church President Rev Gregor Henderson AM
- Artists – including actor Miriam Margolyes, writer and commentator Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, artist Luke Roberts, and filmmaker Christina Wilcox
- Academics – including Dr Susan Carland, Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees AM and Associate Professor Peter Slezak, and many others
“Netanyahu’s Government is being investigated for war crimes by the International Criminal Court, been reprimanded by the UN Security Council, and Netanyahu personally is likely to be indicted for fraud charges” said Bishop George Browning, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and signatory. “He deserves a red card, not a red carpet”.
The statement is released ahead of planned protests, by activists, in Melbourne (today at 2pm, State Library); Canberra (Monday 12pm, Israeli Embassy); and Sydney (Thurs 6.30pm Town Hall), as well as prayer vigils in Melbourne and Canberra.
A separate petition, “Jewish Australians say no to Netanyahu”, has also gained over 500 signatories.
The statement has been organised by the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, a national peak body of groups and individuals concerned about Palestinian human rights.