More than 100 climate activists have been arrested after a siege of the world’s largest coal port in Australia
The police revealed that more than 100 climate activists were arrested after the siege of the world’s largest coal port in Australia, including five children and a 97-year-old grandfather.
A flotilla of kayakers was blocking boat traffic over the weekend. The Newcastle Pier on the east coast of New South Wales is located about 170 km from Sydney, and is the country’s most important coal port. They called on the government to end the country’s long-term dependence on fossil fuel exports.
Nearly 3,000 people from across Australia took part in a 30-hour blockade of the shipping channels over the weekend. Which was approved by the police, but dozens of demonstrators remained in the water after the deadline for the protest passed. This led to the arrest of 109 demonstrators, including five minors who were later released. Among those detained is Unification Church pastor Alan Stewart (97 years old), who said he wanted to limit the damage caused by climate disasters. For the sake of his children and future generations.
He added: “I am very sorry that they will have to bear the consequences of this inaction, so I believe it is my duty to do what I can and stand up for what I know is right.”
Protest group Rising Tide, which organized the blockade, said Stewart was the “oldest” Australian ever arrested in connection with climate change protests. “We have chosen to risk arrest,” the group said in a statement. “Because scientists are warning that we urgently need to phase out… “Using fossil fuels to avoid catastrophic climate collapse.”
Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt said climate protests across the country would continue to grow. If the government does not take additional steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
Australian states have passed strict laws in recent years. Which aims to climate protests. It has drawn condemnation from civil rights organizations and United Nations investigators.
Diana Coco, a climate protester, was sentenced to 15 months in prison late last year. After blocking traffic on a bridge over Sydney Harbour. However, her sentence was later overturned on appeal.
Australia has long been one of the world’s largest coal producers. New coal mines, oil fields and gas projects. Many are currently in the government planning stages.
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