July 05, 2008

ACTIVISM: What's going on in New Zealand

10,000 protest violence against Asians in New Zealand

AFP

Published: Friday, July 04, 2008

AUCKLAND - An estimated 10,000 people took part in a rally in pouring rain in Auckland on Saturday to protest against violence against Asians in the city.

Police said the demonstration stretched about 2.5 kilometres through the streets of south Auckland where three people of Asian descent have been killed in the past month.

The march was organized by the Asian Anti-Crime group and included people carrying coffins and placards with pictures of those killed.

Others carried New Zealand flags and signs calling for tougher sentencing and zero tolerance for crime.

Liquor store owner Navtej Singh was shot and killed during a robbery at his shop on June 7, a week later 80-year-old Yan Ping Yang died after being attacked by an intruder in her home.

Joanne Wang, 39, died in hospital in late June after being knocked down by a stolen vehicle in a shopping mall car park after her handbag was snatched.

© AFP 2008

Pansy Wong, a member of the parliament of the National Party, said many Asian people are fed up with out-of-control violence and tired of inaction. She said people feel the issue is being swept under the carpet. Wong said the Asian community is organizing a petition to take to Wellington, demanding a tougher line on violent crime.
www.chinaview.cn

Asian community bold after march



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