Woomera 2002 video

• Protesters surprise themselves by managing to tear down fences surrounding the Woomera detention centre in the middle of the South Australia
• Police lose control as asylum seekers force open the bars surrounding them, and body surf over police lines into the ranks of protesters
• Asylum seekers escape with protesters into the desert
• Police commit terrible acts of violence to regain control, leading to a mass protest at the camp the next day
• The events get mass media coverage, embarrassing government ministers and police chiefs alike
• This is one of the great anti-capitalist videos

Woomera 2002

During Easter 2002, more than one thousand demonstrators converged on the Woomera detention centre in the South Australian desert.

Woomera is one of six privately run concentration camps used by the Australian Government to enforce its policy of mandatory detention of 'illegal entrants'. It incarcerates refugees - including young children - from Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq.

This inspiring video highlights the desperation and courage of the refugees and contains remarkable footage of a break-out which embarrassed the Australian Government and gave an enormous boost to the growing campaign against mandatory detention.

With the Blair Government openly advocating policies based on the 'Australian Solution', this is an excellent video to show in your union branch, school, college or campaign group.

Distributed by the Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers

£10.00