<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/20/indigenous-voice-to-parliament-referendum-rally-james-paterson-no-campaign-simeon-boikov>
"A senior Coalition frontbencher has warned fellow no voters against attending
anti-voice rallies promoted by a pro-Kremlin activist, arguing the events are a
“shameless” attempt to push “wacky and extreme causes”.
Simeon Boikov, who uses the online persona “the Aussie Cossack”, is among those
promoting “no to the voice” rallies around Australia this Saturday, including a
major rally in Sydney featuring federal senator Ralph Babet and former MP Craig
Kelly.
The shadow minister for home affairs, James Paterson, who opposes the voice,
distanced himself from the planned rallies and urged people to avoid being
drawn into causes such as supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Cabinet minister Jason Clare also was critical of the events being “organised
inside the Russian consulate”, a reference to Boikov who has been living in the
Russian consulate in Sydney since late last year, seeking refuge after police
sought him in connection with the alleged assault of a man at a pro-Ukraine
rally.
Boikov was a prominent figure in last year’s anti-vaccine mandate convoy to
Canberra, part of a contingent of live-streamers who broadcast for hours from
protests. Boikov was invited into Kelly’s office as part of a “delegation” of
protesters. Kelly was also billed as a special guest for the 2021 “Freedom
Ball” promoted by Boikov.
The rallies are being promoted in online groups which previously focused on
anti-vaccine, anti-lockdown and Covid scepticism sentiment. Many such groups
have pivoted to focus criticism on the voice referendum.
Original promotional posters for the rallies, being held in major cities across
the country, mentioned a series of other issues – including opposing the
Albanese government, Nato, Aukus, 5G and “smart cities” – but the material was
later amended to focus solely on the voice."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
