March 2, 2003 SPELLING IT OUT IN HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima, Japan March 2, 2003
Sydney, Australia March 2, 2003 AP Photo/Icon Images
Over 6,000 people from all over Japan converged on Hiroshima Chuo Park today to spell out their opposition to war. The demonstration was especially poignant, since Hiroshima was the first place that civilians were incinerated by American nuclear weapons.
Standing clothed, the protesters formed the words "NO WAR NO DU!" DU stands for depleted uranium, nuclear waste used in bullets and armor-piercing shells, which spreads radioactive dust across battle zones. DU has been blamed for the sharp increase in cancers and birth defects in Iraq, where it was widely used by American and British forces.
On the same day, a naked demonstration took place in Sydney, Australia, where over 300 women formed "NO WAR" with their naked bodies.
As the deadline for the Iraq war looms, Baring Witness actions are increasing around the world. Recent American actions took place in Kaua'i, HI; Occidental, CA; Seattle, WA; Black Mountain, NC; Yachats, OR; Los Angeles, CA; and three actions in Canada, in Hamilton, ON; Nakusp, BC; and Vancouver, BC. A nude demonstration in the streets of Santiago, Chile on March 1 means that Baring Witness-style actions have taken place on all seven continents.
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