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Knitting Nannas will fight trespass charges after alleged Parliament House blockade

A trio of Hobart Knitting Nanna activists in their 60s and 70s will fight criminal allegations in court this October following the Extinction Rebellion protests last year.

Who are Extinction Rebellion and what do they want?

A TRIO of Knitting Nannas armed with balls of wool who allegedly blocked entry to Parliament House during last year’s Extinction Rebellion protests will fight their criminal charges at an upcoming court stoush.

Margate woman Caroline Frances Rea, 64, Cygnet resident Rejane Belanger, 65, and 74-year-old Gaby Gerda Jung of South Hobart, together faced the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The Knitting Nannas were arrested at the Extinction Rebellion protests last year. Picture: RICHARD JUPE
The Knitting Nannas were arrested at the Extinction Rebellion protests last year. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

They have each been charged with a singular count of trespass at a premises dating back to October 15 last year.

The women allegedly blocked entry to the parliament’s doorway by knitting scarves that read “tell the truth”.

They were among several people arrested in Hobart during the fortnight-long, nationwide Spring Rebellion.

Three Knitting Nannas were charged with trespass after they blocked the Parliament House entryway by knitting "tell the truth" scarves during the Extinction Rebellion protests in October 2019. Picture: Extinction Rebellion
Three Knitting Nannas were charged with trespass after they blocked the Parliament House entryway by knitting "tell the truth" scarves during the Extinction Rebellion protests in October 2019. Picture: Extinction Rebellion

Lawyer Fabiano Cangelosi asked the court for an estimated half-day hearing.

He said the time was required not so much to canvass evidence, but for “submissions on law”.

“It’s a very technical case,” he said.

Earlier this month, Sorell grandmother Elizabeth Perry, 80, pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with the direction of a police officer after the Extinction Rebellion activists allegedly blocked parliament’s car park.

However, the charge was dismissed after prosecutors tendered no evidence.

Ms Rae, Ms Belanger and Ms Jung – who are each on bail – will return to court on October 15.

amber.wilson@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/knitting-nannas-will-fight-trespass-charges-after-alleged-parliament-house-blockade/news-story/2cbaf443523b5955badc747aefaab8eb