Police are reviewing charges against more than 120 protesters who participated in a blockade of the world’s largest port after four activists were acquitted in court.
Hordes of people descended on the Port of Newcastle in November to call on the federal government to rule out new coal and gas mines, and introduce a 78 per cent tax on coal and gas exports.
Climate protesters in kayaks attempt to block access to the Port of Newcastle in November 2024.Credit: Getty Images
More than 170 people were arrested during the multi-day event, which organisers Rising Tide hailed as the largest single act of civil disobedience in Australia’s history.
Four of the activists were charged with seriously disrupting or obstructing a major facility and faced Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday, where the charges were dismissed.
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The magistrate found there was a lack of reliable evidence as to the protesters’ movements at the time, so the offences couldn’t be made out, according to Rising Tide.
The decision has prompted calls for NSW Police to withdraw action against 129 of the remaining protesters charged under the “anti-protest laws” introduced in 2022 after a surge of climate activism.
A lawyer for 50 of the protesters said the “decisive and clear” ruling could set a critical precedent for others facing the same charges.
“The police have spent enough time, money and resources on these charges,” Climate Defenders Australia director Josh Pallas said.
“The police as prosecutors must act in the public interest, and the public interest – and the interests of justice – can only be served if these charges are withdrawn.”
A spokesperson for the NSW Police Force said they are reviewing all matters, including recent court decisions.
Rising Tide is planning another protest for this coming November, expected to attract thousands of attendees.
AAP