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.

  • Sasha@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    40·
    1 month ago

    Something not being talked about is the fact that it’s actually been extremely difficult to get arrested, so a whole lot more people would have been out there at the time.

    I’ve spoken to friends still in Newy and many are just towed back in and released, only to paddle out and have it repeated.

    I was one of the three arrested yesterday, we actually had a fair few more come out with us. Some were arrested then released without charge, one kayak was towed back in something like 8 times and not arrested at all. It was absurd.

    I think we were arrested because we made it the furthest out and actively fought against the jet ski cops. We had them spinning in circles so they couldn’t bring us back into the so called “safety zone.”

      • Sasha@lemmy.blahaj.zone
        22·
        1 month ago

        Thanks for your kind words! 💚💚💚

        I’m afraid I’m unable to offer much as of now as my bail conditions required me to leave Newcastle until my court date.

        For the most part it should all be over now, but who knows, many people are frustrated that the actual blockade was only a few hours long so we may yet see some more arrests.

        All I know at this stage is police have been confiscating paddles and things to stop people coming out onto the water, which is probably an overreach of their powers as it’s perfectly legal to be on the water.

        • guismoEnglish
          2·
          1 month ago

          Do you get that on your record? If you get a job did it show you have criminal record?

          Either way thank you and everyone involved for your sacrifice.

          • Sasha@lemmy.blahaj.zone
            4·
            1 month ago

            I’m not 100% sure what my record will show, that will have to wait until after my court date.

            The one thing I do know is that my job/future jobs should be fine as I have never used violence which is what they look for on background checks. I’ll probably be renewing my working with children’s check soon, and I’m not expecting any issues.

            • guismoEnglish
              2·
              1 month 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·
                1 month 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·
                  1 month 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·
                    1 month 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.