Protest charges, Brisbane CBD
This week, police have arrested 125 people following protest activity within the Brisbane CBD, which includes 43 people who were arrested today.
The people, ranging in age from 16 to 75, will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on a range of charges including assault police, dangerous operation of a vehicle, obstruct police, wilful damage and contravene direction or requirement.
At around 10am, protesters lined themselves on the footpath either side of the William Jolly Bridge in Brisbane CBD.
Just before 10.15am, protesters have walked onto the road. Both lanes were closed to traffic immediately. About the same time, a car has driven through the police road diversion and onto the bridge.
Police stopped the car and directed a woman to exit the car. The 37-year-old woman from Labrador and a four-year-old child were transported to the Brisbane City Station, where the woman was released with a Notice to Appear for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
Police commenced negotiations with the protest group occupying the road on William Jolly Bridge with a direction given for all protesters to clear the road by 10.45am.
Thirty-four protesters did not obey the direction, including a number who glued themselves to the road.
At about 12:15pm, all protesters were removed from the road allowing the William Jolly Bridge to be opened.
Just before 1.30pm, a man was seen spray painting on the ground of Queen Street Mall. The 39-year-old was issued with a Notice to Appear for wilful damage and possessing graffiti implements.
Acting Chief Superintendent Tony Fleming said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) response to protest activity is in line with the legal requirements of the Peaceful Assembly Act 1992 (Qld).
“More than 150 general and specialist police have worked each day this week to deal with the unlawful behaviour undertaken by Extinction Rebellion protesters,” Acting Chief Superintendent Fleming said.
“Protesters used a number of different tactics this week to try and prolong the impact of their protests upon commuters.
“Police responded quickly and professionally to their resistance to ensure the impact on the public was kept to a minimum.”
Acting Chief Superintendent Fleming expressed disappointment that it was necessary that a number of protesters to be arrested on more than one occasion.
“We respect the right for issue motivated groups to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner.”
Acting Chief Superintendent Fleming acknowledged the impact of Extinction Rebellion protesters on motorists and pedestrians in the city area this week.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their continued patience, as well as police, emergency services and partner agencies who worked to manage this protest activity and minimise disruptions.” Acting Chief Superintendent Fleming said.
“While a large amount of emergency services were required to manage this activity, the community can be assured that the service to them was not impacted.”
