May 09, 2017

Acheh: ASNLF Activists Take Part in May Day Rally in Stockholm


As was the case in previous years, members and supporters of the Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF) from different cities in Sweden participated in the May Day Rally on 1 May 2017 to raise awareness for their Achehnese cause. On this occasion, they delivered speeches and carried the crescent and star flag, as well as pamphlets and banners demanding Acheh’s independence. The activists also waved a UNPO flag during the rally.

 

 

Please find below a press release by ASNLF 

In conjunction with the International Labor Day May 1st, around 50 activists of Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF) in Sweden and Denmark joined in a rally on the Stockholm highway to express their political aspirations. Along with other organizations from different nations in Stockholm, they delivered speeches and carried banners in this peaceful rally. 


In the midst of spring that has just begun, dozens of young Achehnese who were born and were grown up in Sweden gathered here, starting from 11 am (1/5) at Humlegården Stockholm. Additionally, Achehnese communities living in various cities in Sweden also joined the group. The parade started by the ruling Sweden’s Social Democratic Party at about two o’clock in the afternoon towards Ban Torget, which is located three kilometres away.


"It has become a tradition for Achehnese living here since 1985. Each year, on this day, we Achehnese activists take to the streets, raising the flag of Free Acheh and voicing our aspirations," said Nasir Usman, the coordinator of the action.


Around 50 Achehnese carrying pamphlets, banners, placards, photographs, and megaphone marched across the Karlavägen Avenue. One of the big banners they carried read "STAND UP AND BE COUNTED FOR AN INDEPENDENT ACHEH”. While walking down the street, the ASNLF orator Nasir Usman delivered a speech, pertaining the current situation of Aceh.


On the right side of the road, several diplomatic offices raised the flags of their respective countries. The flags of UNPO, OPM and RMS organizations were also spotted on during the parade. 

Rally participants also carried many other banners such as “FREE ACHEH”, ACHEHNESE HAS EVERY RIGHT TO BE INDEPENDENT”.  The group marched peacefully along 3 Km, escorted by the national security and ended at Ban Torget.

 

Click the link below to see the video of the May Day protest from ASNLF:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYggtjYoOrU