Police claim only XR protester threw punch

Southeast Queensland police say security camera footage contradicts Extinction Rebellion claims that a man allegedly punched by a protester was attacking the activists at popular tourist destination.

Police were present during the Extinction Rebellion march at the weekend which turned ugly when an XR protester allegedly punched a member of the public. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

GOLD Coast police claim security footage of an Extinction Rebellion march at the weekend contradicts XR claims a 27-year-old man was attacking them physically before he was punched by a protester.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said from 1.30pm on Saturday January 4, 2020, officers were in key locations at Surfers Paradise and “were in attendance during the march and the group was monitored by the city’s network of Safe Night Precinct security cameras via the District Tasking and Co-ordination Centre (DTACC)”.

She said around 3pm the Extinction Rebellion group conducted an “unplanned march down Cavill Avenue”.

“It will be alleged that around 3.30pm, a 27-year-old Flinders View man approached the group and began verbally abusing marchers, before he was punched by a 48-year-old protester from Mount Nathan and a physical altercation between the two men ensued,” the spokeswoman said.

“Officers immediately intervened and arrested the two men, who were both issued with an infringement for public nuisance.

“No one else was injured during the incident.”

The spokeswoman said QPS had received information on January 2 of a possible unauthorised climate-change protest at Surfers Paradise.

She said no lawful public assembly permit had been applied for or issued.

“Officers remained at the scene until after protesters packed up and left at 5.00pm,” the spokeswoman said.

“The QPS supports lawful and peaceful protest and is committed to working with groups to plan and facilitate these activities.”

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Extinction Rebellion protesters in Surfers Paradise at the weekend. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

In a statement earlier this week, the Gold Coast & Hinterland Extinction Rebellion group alleged its members were subjected to “pushing and punching” by a member of the public and an XR protester defended himself against the man by punching him.

Three days ago, Extinction Rebellion’s Sally Williams said in the Sunday Mail the alleged punch thrown by the marcher was a “disaster”: “We’re nonviolent protesters. This is a disaster for us.”

The News contacted the 48-year-old XR protester Shawn Cunneen who said “if I did not intervene then a woman or child would of been hurt”.

“Let the courts decide if I am innocent or guilty,” he said.

A police spokesman said a 27-year-old man and a 48-year-old man were arrested and issued with an infringement for public nuisance.

The fines were $400 and $800.

The XR protester claims: “If I did not intervene a woman or child would have been hurt.”