This was the Melbourne billboard featuring quotes from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu that was deemed so offensive that it was taken down after about a minute. It has now been replaced by a beer ad. Censorship is alive and well in Australia. A CENTRAL Melbourne billboard directly comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa has been removed after a social-media storm and complaints to the advertising watchdog. A spokesman for the outdoor advertising company that owns the high-profile Southbank space, oOh! Media, said the firm had checked its contents against advertising rules and standards. “However, as soon as we were made aware of concerns we immediately sought advice from other relevant third parties and took what we believe is the most appropriate action,” the spokesman said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry executive director Peter Wertheim welcomed the sign’s removal. “Its false, inflammatory message has no place in Australia,” he said. Victorian Liberal MP David Southwick warned that it could incite hatred. A pro-Palestinian website said the advertisement was placed by Australians for Palestine. The Australian has been unable to contact the group. theaustralian.au/national-affairs/foreign-affairs/apartheid-billboard-fuels-gaza-friction/story-fn59nm2j-1227031236993
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 06:32:28 +0000
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