Hunderte versammeln sich in Alice Springs vor dem Pine Gap-Protest

Hundreds of protesters gathered near the heavily secured Pine Gap military base in Alice Springs on Saturday, marking what organizers described as the largest demonstration at the site in nearly four decades. The protest, organized by a coalition of anti-war, pro-Palestinian, and Indigenous land rights advocates, saw approximately 300 individuals converge on the remote location, calling for the closure of the U.S.-Australian intelligence facility and the return of the land to its traditional owners, the Arrernte people. Pine Gap, located 18 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs, is a classified defense installation operated jointly by the United States and Australia. It serves as a hub for satellite intelligence collection, playing a critical role in global military operations. The facility has long drawn criticism over its secrecy and alleged complicity in supporting U.S. military actions abroad. The demonstration took place amid heightened tensions surrounding the role of Pine Gap in contemporary conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Iran. Protesters included activists traveling from across Australia, some of whom had journeyed specifically for the event. Among them was Senator David Shoebridge of the New South Wales Greens, who criticized the base as a "foreign military base set up for the interests of a foreign military." He expressed concern that Pine Gap might be contributing to "some of the worst atrocities" committed by the U.S. military. The protest was preceded by a three-day gathering of activists and academics in Alice Springs aimed at highlighting the strategic significance of Pine Gap in global warfare. Organizers emphasized the importance of drawing attention to the base’s role in intelligence-gathering and its potential implications for national security. Security measures were stringent, with police establishing roadblocks several kilometers from the base to screen vehicles and pedestrians. Protesters approached the high-security gates carrying signs and banners, chanting slogans such as "Shut it down," "Close Pine Gap," and "Always was, always will be Aboriginal land." As they reached the perimeter, Arrernte traditional owners joined the demonstration, delivering a formal letter to senior police officers. The document outlined demands for the return of ancestral lands, access to sacred sites within the facility, and compensation for decades of occupation. Arrernte elder Felicity Hayes, whose ancestral lands include the Pine Gap site, spoke passionately to the crowd, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the region. She stated that the land is "a sacred place for me and my family and for everybody in Australia," and reiterated her desire for the facility to be removed entirely. Her remarks were met with widespread support from the assembled protesters. The protest followed a historical pattern of resistance against Pine Gap, dating back to the 1980s when thousands of demonstrators marched near the base. In 1983, a group of women staged a notable protest, camping along the road leading to Pine Gap and eventually reaching the gates despite attempts by authorities to disperse them. That event resulted in numerous arrests and marked a turning point in public awareness of the base’s controversial status. Activists present at the recent demonstration echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration over the perceived entanglement of Australia in U.S. military operations. Nathalie Farah, an organizer of the event, highlighted concerns about the risks posed to Australian citizens due to Pine Gap’s proximity to sensitive military infrastructure. She noted that the base’s existence makes the country vulnerable to external threats, particularly given the unpredictable nature of current geopolitical dynamics. The protest also underscored broader issues related to Indigenous land rights and cultural preservation. Many attendees stressed the importance of allowing traditional owners access to sacred sites within the facility, which have been inaccessible for decades. Felicity Hayes emphasized the need for reconciliation and respect for Aboriginal heritage, stating that the land must be returned to its rightful custodians. Organizers indicated that the demonstration was the first of potentially many, with plans to hold further protests against Australia’s participation in the AUKUS defense pact with the United States later this year. The event concluded with a smoking ceremony conducted by Arrernte elders, symbolizing unity and solidarity among the diverse group of participants.