NSW Police say they've arrested 138 protesters in Newcastle Harbour for allegedly blocking the shipping channel in the world's largest coal port.

In short:

NSW Police have arrested 138 people for allegedly defying directions not to enter the shipping channel in Newcastle Harbour.

The Port Authority has temporarily paused shipping movements due to safety concerns.

What’s next:

A police operation on the harbour is continuing.

  • guismoEnglish
    2·
    18 hours ago

    I hope it works out ok for you and others. I really admire that. Not only are you fighting for us for free but you’re actually paying a massive price.

    You guys are the veterans this country should have statues about. Instead we have statues of people who would shoot you.

    • Sasha@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      2·
      18 hours ago

      Thank you but I’m not someone to be worshiped or anything, I’m just a ratbag punk who cares.

      I’ll be perfectly fine, I’m not facing much. My fine maxes out at $330, the biggest sacrifice I made was 5 hours shivering while soaking wet in a cramped cell. The others, well I guess we’ll see when our court dates roll around. Odds are many will get reduced sentences or even off scott free, but there are a few I’m a bit more worried about.

      If anyone ends up in prison, I’d highly encourage sending letters. It’s such a small thing that makes a huge difference during their time inside.

      • guismoEnglish
        2·
        15 hours ago

        If you know the people in jail, maybe you could make a post about it? Though I don’t know if that’s invasion of privacy. But you posting about it here already kind of makes you like a celebrity to me. Stuff I read about but I would not think I would actually talk to someone who was in the news. I don’t know anyone who was involved in that. I don’t even think I know people who ended up in prison.

        • Sasha@lemmy.blahaj.zone
          3·
          14 hours ago

          At this stage I won’t be sharing any details, prison will be after court and sentencing. I think everyone is currently out on bail at the moment with court dates in early-mid January.

          If people end up in prison (unlikely imo) and they’re comfortable with me sharing details then I’ll post something. I’d be a bit concerned about people taking the opportunity to send in nasty letters though so don’t hold your breath. Perhaps I’ll be able to collect messages online to send through.

          I just wanted to take the chance to further push our cause and get some information out to the people that the news media refuses to cover, I’m just one of the 5000 people who took part. I’ve been in activism for a little while now, but this experience has changed me so I’ll be more actively posting things I’m involved in. Check out my insta if that’s something youd be interested in, it’s pretty bare for now and I’ll be taking some time to rest, but I’ve no plans of stopping.