Commonwealth Games: Indigenous protesters block Queen's Baton Relay

A small group of Indigenous protesters halted the Queen's Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games for about an hour on the Gold Coast.

Commonwealth Games protest

Source: NITV News

The Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay has resumed on the Gold Coast after being halted by a group of Indigenous protesters.

The group of approximately 30 people lined up across Seaworld Drive, in Southport, leaving the relay staff and baton bearers stranded in a carpark at the end of the road.

After approximately an hour, organisers resumed the final leg of the relay before Wednesday's opening ceremony on an altered route.

The protesters, part of the Stolenwealth Games Indigenous group, are using the Gold Coast Games to highlight their anti-colonial activity and authority views.

Among the 14 baton bearers in the Main Beach leg are Olympic kayak gold medallist Ken Wallace and Commonwealth Games swim champion Lisa Curry.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who arrived in Brisbane on Wednesday afternoon, are expected to meet Governor-General Peter Cosgrove at a Gold Coast hotel near the protest site in the evening.

Queensland police say they acknowledge the group's right to protest.

"Should any activities occur during a protest which pose a risk to the safety or enjoyment of the Commonwealth Games, the QPS will respond accordingly," police said in a statement.


 

Share
2 min read
Published 4 April 2018 6:05pm
Updated 4 April 2018 6:15pm
By Ismail Kayhan
Source: AFP, SBS


Share this with family and friends