Princes Bridge closure: Climate protesters vow to shut down major CBD tourist spot
Dozens of people were arrested after more than 300 climate change protesters shut down a major part of Melbourne’s CBD for three hours.
Inner South
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Dozens of climate protesters were arrested in the CBD this afternoon after shutting down one of Melbourne’s busiest thoroughfares.
More than 300 protesters from global activist movement Extinction Rebellion “swarmed” Swanston Street between the Arts Centre and Flinders Street for three hours between noon and 3pm.
The exercise caused delays for tens of thousands of tourists, sightseers and shoppers.
The protest attracted a heavy police presence including the public order response team, the mounted brigade and the evidence gathering squad.
Participant James Norman said it was a “huge success” and the protest was “just the start” of the disruption.
Extinction Rebellion: Around 300 protesters now blocking CBD traffic and public transport. The entire section of Swanston St between Hamer Hall and Flinders Street is now blocked to pedestrians. Police issuing a warning to protesters. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/HCbunB98HV
— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) September 14, 2019
“People made the decision before the protest they were willing to get arrested, that showed their level of commitment,” he said.
“It shows they are willing to take action to peacefully demand the government listens to the science.”
Police issued protesters with warnings they were breaking the law before arresting them.
“I require you to cease occupying this road,” a police officer said.
“Reasonable force may be used if you do not comply.”
Mark, 28, was one of those arrested.
“I was arrested for a cause I believe strongly in,” he said.
“I was handcuffed and shoved against a wall. I felt they could have hurried it up as it was hot and uncomfortable on the road.
Extinction Rebellion protest: Police are closing off Swanston Street at Princes Bridge to climate protesters. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/h2HeQa3Jed
— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) September 14, 2019
“I was interviewed, they said I was free to go and I may receive a summons in the mail.
“I think it was a successful action.”
One by one the protesters were removed by police, searched and arrested.
The heavy police presence did not frighten the protesters.
“Leave it in the ground, it is time to get with it, coal don’t dig it,” they chanted and “always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.”
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Climate activists held signs saying: “Stop Adani” and “Stop Eating Animals.”
Victoria Police said they had common law powers to “prevent a breach of the peace”.
“We want the community to be aware that everyone has a right to protest peacefully without impacting the rest of the community.
“Police will not tolerate violent or obscene behaviour and offenders will be held to account for these unlawful actions.”
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