Police clear Victoria Park protest camp, five arrested

Five people were arrested on Friday in Brisbane, Australia, as police and council workers dismantled a long-running protest camp at Victoria Park, the designated site for a new main stadium for the 2032 Olympics. Queensland Police confirmed the arrests of two men and three women on charges including obstructing and assaulting police, public nuisance, and breaching the peace, with one of those arrested later released without charge.

The operation began shortly after a 2 p.m. deadline for protesters to vacate the park passed. A coalition of environmentalists and Indigenous activists, operating under the name Goori Camp Embassy, had maintained a ceremonial camp at the site for over 60 days to oppose the planned transformation of the heritage-listed park. A police spokesperson stated that officers were supporting partner agencies to ensure community safety as the area prepares to become an active construction zone. Indigenous elder Gaja Kerry Charlton estimated that up to 50 police officers arrived at the site on Friday morning.

Ownership of the land is scheduled to be formally transferred to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) on Monday....