THE South Sudanese Youth Action Group called off plans for a peaceful protest outside Dandenong’s Drum Theatre this week after Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews cancelled a media interview at the venue.
Television channel SBS was filming its Insight program investigating African settlement issues in Greater Dandenong, and was expecting to speak with Mr Andrews or a representative.
The purpose of the protest, according to the statement, was to draw attention to the fact Mr Andrews had closed the door on African migration soon after the death of Sudanese teenager Liep Gony in Noble Park in September.
“We were mourning for our lost brother, and instead of supporting us he was slandering us,” South Sudanese Youth Action Group member Jikany David said in the release.
But Mr Andrews phoned Insight that day to pull out of the interview, and the South Sudanese Youth Action Group called off protest plans.
“Of course we are disappointed, but what can you do?” Mr David said.
“He could have seen the other side of people he actually talked about, and maybe we could express our feelings or point of view.”
No show, no protest!
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