Climate Activists Shut Down CBD Intersection: Police Removal Sparks Controversy!

Police removed more than 35 Extinction Rebellion protesters from a busy CBD intersection on Saturday, following a “sit-in” outside Flinders Street Station where dozens obstructed trams and cars.

Around 300 demonstrators had marched from Treasury Gardens, reaching the station around 4:15 pm, as estimated by police at the scene.

Extinction Rebellion demonstrators
Extinction Rebellion demonstrators (Image source: Twitter)

After organizers advised individuals unwilling to face arrest to vacate the Flinders and Swanston streets intersection, approximately 40 protesters remained, forming a circle on the road and impeding traffic flow.

Subsequently, public order response officers proceeded to extract the protesters individually, with some needing assistance from law enforcement.

The intersection reopened to traffic shortly after 5 pm.

Earlier, Deanna “Violet” Coco, a recurrent climate activist. Who had been granted bail after being imprisoned for her involvement in a protest on the West Gate Bridge, had announced her intention to lead Saturday’s demonstration.

Coco, recently released on bail, had appealed against a 21-day jail sentence imposed by the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 5 for her role in blocking lanes on the bridge, causing significant traffic disruption.

Despite her bail conditions prohibiting her from obstructing traffic, Coco led Extinction Rebellion’s climate choir in song outside St Paul’s Cathedral during the arrests at the intersection.

According to a Victoria Police spokeswoman, specific details regarding the number of individuals removed and arrested from the intersection were not immediately available on Saturday afternoon.

Coco, 33, contended that protesting is a fundamental democratic right and accused authorities of violating her human rights by attempting to curtail her participation.

She had also attended an Extinction Rebellion protest against the Atlas Network the day before.

Coco, the first person jailed in 2022 under now invalidated anti-protest laws in NSW for demonstrating on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, emphasized the urgency of highlighting the planet’s perilous situation over personal freedom concerns.

Extinction Rebellion drew criticism when it was revealed that a woman gave birth on the roadside due to traffic congestion during the West Gate blockade. Emergency services reported further delays due to protests.

Coco, along with two co-accused men, parked a truck on the bridge, unfurled banners calling for a climate emergency declaration, and caused extensive traffic disruption.

The Office of Public Prosecutions has initiated an appeal concerning the perceived leniency of Coco’s three-week sentence.

Coco and her co-accused Bradley Homewood, who remains incarcerated. Are scheduled for a County Court appeal hearing on March 19, having pleaded guilty to charges of public nuisance and obstructing authorities.

The third co-accused, Joseph Zammit, was released on bail following the protest.

Coco defended Extinction Rebellion’s methods as necessary to raise awareness about the impending dangers of climate change.

Saturday’s protest marked the conclusion of a four-day Extinction Rebellion campaign

Which included a slow march disrupting traffic on St Kilda Road and a demonstration opposing seismic blasting in the Otway Basin.

The group also protested outside the Institute of Public Affairs.

A think tank advocating for fossil fuels, critiquing the substantial police resources allocated to thwarting peaceful protests as wasteful. Three arrests had been made prior to Saturday’s event, with several protesters fined.

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