Syd rallies against Putin after MH17 crash
Sydney protesters will demand Russian President Vladimir Putin be banned from Australia after a devastating missile attack on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 left 298 people dead, including 28 Australians.
A tough-talking Prime Minister Tony Abbott squarely pointed blame at Russia for the attack but wouldn't say if Mr Putin was welcome to attend a G20 leaders summit in Brisbane in November.
While it was an important international gathering, Australia had to maintain its strength and self-respect, he said.
Two separate anti-Putin protests are organised for Saturday.
The Ukrainian-Australian community will hold a prayer vigil and protest at 9.15am in Lidcombe, in Sydney's west, while a `Ban Putin from G20' rally will be held at 2pm in the CBD.
The head of Australia's Ukrainian community has accused Mr Putin of having "Australian blood on his hands".
