ANZ targeted by anti-war activists

The central Auckland ANZ Bank was closed down today when 200 activists marched to the same bank that they occupied last March. [ Report and photos ] 20 police officers and several security guards stood still as protesters yelled "ANZ, Profits From Murder", "We all live in a terrorist regime" (To the tune of Yellow Submarine), chanting to the theme of starwars and the famed "S C U M, what does it spell? SCUM!" chant.

In Wellington, activists handed out fliers on Friday outside the ANZ on Lambotn Quay [ Report ] and a community dinner brought everyone together on Saturday night. [ Report ]

Two ANZ branches were occupied in Brisbane on Friday. [ Report ]

ANZ is part of an international consortium called the Iraqi Trade Bank, which was set up by the U.S. occupation. The U.S. has abolished all tariffs in Iraq, opening up what was once a protected economy. This has left 70% of Iraqi’s unemployed. Trade Bank bureaucrats tour the world encouraging multinationals to take advantage of Iraq's vunerable economy. Local industries have not been able to compete and most have been forced to shut down.

On Saturday September 24th 2005, there will be mass anti-war protests in San Francisco, Washington DC, Los Angeles and other cities in the US.

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