In solidarity with the Occupy Wall street protest that has been occurring in New York for the last 4 weeks, Occupy Protests occurred in capital cities around Australia and Asia today.
In Australia protests were organised in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, with some of these setting up occupation sites for overnight and longer. Australian Bureau of Statistics show that the divide between the rich and poor is growing with the rich getting even richer, according to this ABC report.
Sydney
About 3000 people attended Occupy Sydney today. A camp was set up in Martin Place outside the Reserve Bank with people staying overnight. Just before 10pm police started massing and then moved in taking down all tents and other structures. Protestors resisted and at least one arrest occured. Occupiers have vowed to stay on.
Coverage of Day 1 in Sydney on Indymedia
Melbourne
The Occupy Melbourne day in Melbourne's City Square kicked off with approximately 750 people and a large number of police. Approximately 20 tents have been set up from various groups including refugee support and campaign groups, the gay marriage campaign, an indigenous tent, kids' spaces, and many others. An inspiring General Assembly occurred. Despite a large police presence no action against the camp was taken during the night.
Coverage of Day 1 in Melbourne on Indymedia
Brisbane
Amid a gathering thunderstorm threatening 80km/hr winds and hail people assembled in King George Square in Brisbane.
Brisbane Youtube videos: General Assembly | Coco's speech | Gathering storm | Hail storm| Photos on Youtube
Analysis: Where to now for Occupy Brisbane
Perth
Between 200 and 300 people rallied in Forrest Place in Perth. Plans are being made to Occupy CHOGM on the 28th of October. Three protestors stayed on however after the rally to continue a small occupation.
Report on Indymedia
Videos by @Perthtone. Keep up to date at Occupy Perth
Adelaide
A small but spirited turnout in Adelaide gathered. The next organinisng meeting for Adelaide will be on October 19th.
Youtube video: Occupy Adelaide
Photos from Occupy Adelaide on Facebook
Canberra
About 30 people gathered at City Hill in Canberra before marching through the streets.
Story on Indymedia
New Zealand
The main cities in New Zealand / Aotearoa were also active with occupy protests.
Auckland - Occupy Auckland | Wellington Report, Video | Opening statement Occupy Christchurch, Waiata in support of Occupy Christchurch
Across Asia
Across ASIA Occupy solidarity protests occurred in Tokyo, Manila, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul and Jakarta.
Youtube videos: Japan: Occupy Tokyo | Taiwan: 200 people gathered against corporate greed and the widening wealth gap - Occupy Taipei 佔領台北 .
In Manila hundreds of protesters marched on the US embassy.
More than 200 activists in Hong Kong participated in a "occupy Central" protest by gathering outside Exchange Square, in solidarity with protests in the United States and round the world. Occupy Central, HK, 2, 3, First two hours | TVB News.
A gathering in Seoul, Korea drew about 200 people to a rally outside an old palace near the City Hall, One banner read "Capitalism for one percent has failed." Youtube Video. An earlier protest in Yeoido, the financial district of Seoul, attracted about 70 people in pouring rain outside the headquarters of the country's financial watchdog, the Financial Supervisory Service. Youtube Video
Comments
Bravery of those who stayed to be publicly identified
Thankyou to all who were able to get to protest or help in organisation/logistics/support.
The small numbers of sleepouts just give testament to the bravery of those who have the choice to stay & be publicly identified, & went ahead & did it.
Coverage from the World Socialist Website
Australia: Demonstrations held in every capital
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/oct2011/auop-o17.shtml
Hundreds of thousands protest internationally against social inequality
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/oct2011/prot-o17.shtml