Extinction Rebellion protest: 59 people arrested after blocking CBD intersection
Police arrested 59 climate activists over an Extinction Rebellion protest in the CBD on Tuesday.
Approximately 200 climate protesters blockaded the intersection of Collins and Spring streets at around 10am, shutting down the intersection for more than two hours.
3AW reporter Pat Mitchell said protesters were forcibly removed after ignoring requests made by police.
“They’re just dancing in the street,” 3AW reporter Pat Mitchell said.
“They’re taking them away one by one.”
Police issued 35 people with penalty notices for failing to abide a traffic direction made by police.
Another 24 people were arrested for resisting an emergency service worker.
They are expected to appear in court at a later date.
Despite the arrests, protesters say they plan to shut down another part of the city before the week is through.
Press PLAY below for more.
The protesters camped in Carlton Gardens last night, before splitting into a dozen groups to take different routes to the intersection, keeping its location a secret until their arrival.
The normally idyllic gardens, which corner Victoria and Rathdowne streets, looked more like a mini-music festival this morning with about 30 tents dotted around the park, as well as trestle tables and banners.
The extinction rebellion demonstrators have reportedly promised the City of Melbourne they’ll pack up the tents during the day.
Yesterday, 10 protesters were arrested for shutting down Flinders Street.
A symbol of the bloodshed, activists say has been caused by climate change @ExtinctionR @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/7qRT1bQGPD
— Stefanie Waclawik (@StefWaclawik) October 7, 2019
Two were charged, and one did not to seek bail.
They’re off! @ExtinctionR activists leaving Carlton Gardens @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/CuAdEQcxXZ
— Stefanie Waclawik (@StefWaclawik) October 7, 2019
Click PLAY to hear Ross and John cross to 3AW reporter Pat Mitchell at Carlton Gardens this morning.
LEAD IMAGE: Getty Images / ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE