Police have made a further 11 arrests following a second day of unauthorised protests in the Sydney CBD today.
About 8.10am (Tuesday 28 June 2022), emergency services were called to the intersection of William and Palmer streets at Woolloomooloo, responding to reports a group of protesters had entered the intersection and were disrupting traffic.
Officers from Strike Force Guard moved quickly to arrest the protesters, who were taken to a nearby police custody bus for processing.
The protesters were taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where charges were laid.
Commander of Strike Force Guard, Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan, said that an increased police presence would remain in response to the expected unauthorised protest activity this week.
"The New South Wales Police Force makes no apologies for the arrests of individuals who are seeking to disrupt the livelihood of Sydneysiders going about their daily business, by engaging in unlawful behaviour," A/Assistant Commissioner Dunstan said.
"We have well documented processes in place to facilitate lawful demonstrations, but when protesters choose to ignore those rules, we will act swiftly and take action to prevent those unlawful demonstrations interfering with and disrupting traffic.
"Police continue to provide a strong presence in the Sydney CBD in response to unauthorised protests to ensure the safety of the public and local businesses," he said.
"While these illegal activities continue to take place, police will continue to disrupt and intervene with the actions of those who create significant safety risks to themselves and those around them," he said
"Community safety is our number one priority, and our officers will not tolerate those who think the law does not apply to them," A/Assistant Commissioner Dunstan said.
Since the beginning of the operation, Strike Force Guard have arrested 32 people. Inquiries under Strike Force Guard are ongoing and further charges are expected.
Those arrested today are:
- A 28-year-old man from Boomer Bay, Tasmania, charged with two offences - pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path and resist officer in execution of duty. He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday 29 June 2022.
- A 23-year-old man from New Lambton, NSW, charged with three offences - pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path, resist officer in execution of duty and assault officer in execution of duty. He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday 29 June 2022.
- A 25-year-old man from Northcote, Victoria, charged with five offences - pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path (2 counts), wilfully prevent free passage of person or vehicle (2 counts) and enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupt vehicles.
- A 27-year-old man from Ainslie, ACT, charged with six offences - Enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupt vehicles, wilfully prevent free passage of a person or vehicle (2 counts), pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path (2 counts) and custody of a knife in a public place. He has been refused bail and will appear before Central Local Court later today (Tuesday 28 June 2022).
- A 24-year-old woman from Capital Hill, ACT, Victoria, charged with two offences - pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path and wilfully prevent free passage of person or vehicle. She has been granted conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 21 July 2022.
- A 40-year-old man from Greenslopes, Queensland, charged with three offences - wilfully prevent free passage of person or vehicle, pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path and enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupt vehicles. He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday 29 June 2022.
- A 69-year-old man from Newtown, Victoria, charged with two offences - enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupt vehicles and pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path. He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday 29 June 2022.
- A 51-year-old man from South Coogee, charged with three offences - enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupt vehicles, wilfully prevent free passage of a person or vehicle and pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path. He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday 29 June 2022.
- A 74-year-old woman from Flemington, Victoria charged with two offences - enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupt vehicles and pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path. She was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday 29 June 2022.
- A 73-year-old man from Potts Point charged with two offences - enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupt vehicles and pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path. He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Tuesday 28 June 2022.
- A 30-year-old man from Tarraganda, New South Wales – charged with wilfully prevent free passage of a person or vehicle and pedestrian obstruct driver's/other pedestrian's path. He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 19 July 2022.
