Another climate protester charged as Blockade Australia says police responded “violently”

By ERIN MODARO

A climate protester will face court today after being charged with offenses related to a protest in Sydney’s CBD on Tuesday morning. Police say the 66-year old woman was arrested in Hurlstone Park yesterday, and taken to Burwood Police Station where she was refused bail.

The woman has been charged with several non-violent offenses including intimidating a police officer without bodily harm, destruction of property and obstruction of vehicles and pedestrians.

Tuesday’s protest was organised by climate change activist group Blockade Australia, who engaged in protests and traffic disruptions on Monday and Tuesday. Police say the protests were unauthorised, and have made a total of 11 arrests relating to the actions.

NSW Police have re-formed Strike Force Guard to to “prevent, investigate and disrupt unauthorised protests across the state”, and have responded to traffic disruptions made by protesters this week.

Blockade Australia says they face “unprecedented repression”

Blockade Australia said in a statement that the police have responded “violently” to their protests.

“What we have seen today is an incredibly violent and repressive response by police to peaceful protestors” a spokesperson said.

The protests this week follow a police raid on a Blockade Australia camp in Colo last month which resulted in 7 arrests.

Blockade Australia says they will continue to protest against Australia’s climate policies, despite high arrest numbers from previous action.

“Vicious policing, ridiculous charges and obscene bail conditions will not change our resolve. Australia is a climate destroyer, and we will continue to resist it.”