Wartime paint job for Opera House
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The audacious paint job has highlighted security failings.
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SYDNEY, Australia -- In a daring graffiti attack, two protesters have voiced their opposition to Australia's support of a U.S.-led attack on Iraq by painting "No War" in huge red letters at the top of the Sydney Opera House.
A 42-year old British scientist and a 33-year-old Australian woman were later arrested and charged by police with malicious damage, local media reported.
The graffiti on the highest sail of the ornate building made a mockery of the supposed increase in security at two of Australia's most readily identifiable landmarks, the opera house and nearby Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Security was upgraded last November because of a perceived increased risk of terrorist attacks on Australian targets following the deadly bombings on the island of Bali.
New South Wales Premier Bob Carr was quoted by Australian newspapers Tuesday as saying a report had been ordered to explain the security breach and its implications.
The Australian government has agreed to commit troops to likely military action against Iraq following a formal request for support from U.S. President George W. Bush.
Bush counts Australia among his "coalition of the willing", prepared to use force to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction.
Public opinion on a possible war on Iraq is deeply divided with opinion polls showing about two-thirds of the public do not approve of a war that does not have U.N. backing.
