Australia- On Wednesday, climate activists shut down activity at the World’s largest coal port. The activists climb on top of machinery at the Port of Newcastle and press an emergency safety button. Additionally, bringing the export of coal to a halt.
One of the protestors, 21-year-old Hannah said, ‘’ as scary as (the police) might be, as scary as taking action which might ostracise you from certain communities might be, it’s not as scary as the future we are heading to,’’
How long has the protest been going on?
It’s over the past 10 days, a handful of climate activists are using their bodies, rope, and glue as part of ‘’ destructive action’’ to hunk key blockages in the multibillion-dollar coal supply chain in the hunter. Police and politicians are unable to stop them from blockage.
Meanwhile, NSW police commissioner, Mick Fuller said that the activists face jail sentences of up to 25 years, but activists who have already been charged over suspected offense last week are vowing to continue.
Newcastle is the home for largest coal port in the world and the surrounding region is important for Australia’s mining prosperity. Meanwhile, politicians are making a common excuse of protecting jobs in the region at the cost of climate.
Disturbance by Protestors
The protest has resulted in the arrests of 17 protesters and also disrupt $60m worth of coal experts. Meanwhile, Fuller upped the ante, announced the establishment of Strike Force Tuohy to target the activities. Moreover, he warn protesters that he had received legal advice which he could use relating to interfering with the railway. It also claims that the interference cause death or bodily harm that carries a jail sentence of up to 25 years.
Furthermore, two protestors were charge and now face the potential 25-year sentence. Many protestors have been arrested by the police. Among most are from Victoria. According to Police, the protestors are endangering rail line users and workers on the coal loads. Activist Maher said this was an ‘’ expected line’’ and the participants themselves risked the most danger.
She added, ‘’ we see it as the only way to be able to force necessary actions. The alternative is less desirable.’’ According to The Guardian, a statement sent to the media from the activist says that Blockade Australia doesn’t describe itself as a solely anti-coal group. Rather, it is ‘’ commit to taking the action necessary to disrupt economic bottlenecks of Australia and stop the exploitative colonial project.’’
