Protesters in Brisbane Cheer Up Asylum Seekers With Tennis Balls

Hey, here’s something to make this week’s news seem a little less awful.
The Australian Associated Press report that today, a group of around 70 protesters gathered at an immigration detention facility in Brisbane, and attempted to cheer up the asylum seekers being held there by throwing tennis balls across a fence.
The group gathered at Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation at Pinkenba, near the Port of Brisbane, and stood near the perimeter fence chanting “free the refugees” and lobbing balls, with messages of support written on them, to the people inside.
Some of the protesters used racquets to hit balls over the fence, as children inside reportedly squealed and laughed in excitement. A number of asylum seekers called “we love you, we love you all” in response.  
Several police were in attendance, and watched the activity for several minutes before driving away. “I’ve seen what I need to see and I’m comfortable with the situation, so now we’re going back to the station,” an unnamed officer said.
The Brisbane Times, who ran some photos of the event, report that the rally was organised in response to the introduction of controversial safe haven enterprise visas, and a recent deal with the Cambodian government to send asylum seekers there.
Greens party member Rachel Jacobs, who was present at the event, used the PA system to tell detainees that they are welcome in Australia, adding “my party will be fighting for you on the floor of parliament.” 
 
Note: The tennis balls pictured above are not the ones used today, and are in fact some slightly more posh tennis balls from Wimbledon 2014, but we’re sure you get the idea. 
Photo: Dan KItwood via Getty Images

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