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‘Arrestable actions’ incoming as Extinction Rebellion members pledge to turn up the heat

Adelaide’s law-abiding climate protesters have avoided arrest so far in this week. But some of them aren’t happy about that and plan to force police to step in against more “dramatic” stunts.

Adelaide Extinction Rebellion protestors stage Rundle Mall die-in

They’ve been well-behaved so far but “anxious” climate change protesters are planning to push harder as their week-long protest rolls on.

Extinction Rebellion member Peta Page,told The Advertiser certain members of the group would block the Rundle Mall and Pulteney St intersection on Friday until they are removed by police.

“I feel like people are getting a little bit anxious about getting more dramatic action in Adelaide,” Ms Page said

Relaxed police look on amid a muted Extinction Rebellion “traffic swarm” on Gouger St on Tuesday. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz
Relaxed police look on amid a muted Extinction Rebellion “traffic swarm” on Gouger St on Tuesday. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Arrestable actions haven’t yet been performed because many members of the SA group are law abiding citizens, Ms Page said.

A SAPOL spokeswoman said police remained in contact with protest organisers and were aware of their plans.

“Sufficient police resources will be provided to ensure a peaceful protest is held, to minimise traffic disruptions and that the safety of all members of the community is maintained,” she said.

MORE EXTINCTION REBELLION NEWS:

SHEPHERD: Why are we more worried about climate protesters than Nazis?

SYDNEY: Activists mock ‘hilarious’ police response to protests

MELBOURNE: Climate rebels block peak hour traffic

BRISBANE: Extinction Rebellion protesters target train line

SA Environment Minister David Speirs said everyone had the right to protest but there were better ways.

“Blocking traffic and disrupting every day South Australians’ daily lives doesn’t achieve anything,” he said.

“Endless empty gestures that whip up hysteria do nothing to improve our environment and the Marshall Liberal Government is focused on practical action to address climate change.”

Today a funeral service was held in Rundle Mall to symbolise our “dying race” as almost 100 climate protesters symbolically “dropped dead” for about 20 minutes.

A funeral director performed a eulogy mourning the loss of human life “with colossal regret that we did not act sooner” against climate change.

Activists from Extinction Rebellion “dead” in Rundle Mall today: Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz
Activists from Extinction Rebellion “dead” in Rundle Mall today: Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

The remaining protesters stood solemnly around the bodies while people dressed in red symbolising “victim’s blood” performed in the area.

The event was one of scores of “die-ins” held around the world by members of the Extinction Rebellion movement so far this week.

While Adelaide’s protests have remained overwhelmingly peaceful so far, controversies have erupted in Sydney with protesters accusing police of heavy-handedness.

And in Queensland the government is moving to fast-track laws that would allow it to jail protesters who concrete themselves in place.

Other protests have been held in cities around the world, including London, New York, Buenos Aires and Wellington.

Protests are planned to continue throughout the week.

Arrests mount in Sydney as climate protests continue

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/arrestable-actions-incoming-as-extinction-rebellion-members-pledge-to-turn-up-the-heat/news-story/55b358c00e18e78799441d3c20367271