From: jwinformed.org
How did Watchtower representatives react? On the first day of the protest, all seemed to be relatively normal without hinderance, however, matters changed on the second day. A significant number of convention attendants exited the stadium and formed a physical barricade in front of the protest area, in an attempt to block the activists’ messages:
Jehovah’s Witness Convention Attendants Attempt to Block Protestors’ Messages
Despite their efforts, the attendants dispersed relatively promptly after Victorian Police advised the protestors that they had the right to simply stand in front of the barricade. Following this attempt at silencing their critics, Watchtower did not attempt any further direct physical suppression of the event, however, attendees of the convention who spoke to the activists were reportedly disciplined for doing so, with one active Jehovah’s Witness being rejected entry back into the stadium.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and the public paid attention to the activists’ messages, with large numbers of people stopping to read the signs and engage in conversation. The activism event repeatedly advertised information resource jwfacts.com and the website author, Paul Grundy reported 603 new visitors in Victoria during and directly following the convention. On several occasions, cash donations were offered to the group by individuals passing by who wished to support the cause.
The protest was viewed as being well organised, peaceful and professional. The organisers of the protest are to be commended for their great work and the protestors themselves for their brave acts of activism.
