Extinction Rebellion protester Connor Brooks, 18, to plead not guilty

An 18-year-old Extinction Rebellion protester says he will plead not guilty to obstructing police and pedestrians after he was arrested for allegedly gluing himself to a bridge in Brisbane’s CBD on Thursday.

A TEENAGE Extinction Rebellion activist faced court today after being arrested for allegedly gluing himself to a Brisbane CBD road yesterday, saying he intends to plead not guilty to obstruction charges.

Activist Connor Brooks, 18, said he intends to rely the defence climate change is an “extraordinary emergency” that justifies breaking the law.

Connor Brooks, 18, and another 17-year-old Extinction Rebellion protester at Victoria Bridge on Thursday.

Mr Brooks becomes the fifth member of the climate change activist group to use the defence, after four other members plead not guilty to obstruction charges earlier this month.

He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court today after being charged with pedestrian obstruction and obstructing police on Thursday.

His case adjourned to September 25.

Connor Brooks (centre) at a protest on August 6. Picture:AAP/David Clark

“My duty lawyer suggested I seek an adjournment as I intend to plead not guilty,” Mr Brooks told The Courier-Mail.

Mr Brooks was joined by another activist, a 17-year-old girl, in gluing himself to Victoria Bridge around 10am Thursday morning.

Both protesters were removed by police and taken to the watch house.

Originally published as Extinction Rebellion protester Connor Brooks, 18, to plead not guilty