Christian protestors moved by police : Melbourne Indymedia

In the middle of the night three nonviolent Christian activists were physically removed from their tent embassy by police.

We had maintained a peaceful vigil for almost 24 hours before police notified the group at 3:45am, with only five minutes' notice, that the barricades were being moved and that we would need to move along with them. Three protestors refused to comply with the requirement to move and were physically removed by police. Other members of the group had removed themselves only moments earlier.

At 7:30am on Friday 17th November, A G20 Christian Collective had negotiated permission from police to set up a Third World and Environment Ministers' embassy on the corner of Russell and Collins Sts.

Our banners and presence were temporarily moved have now been placed out of sight of the Hyatt hotel, where we are making a plea to G20 ministers for representation for the poor and the environment. We have now negotiated permission for a place in which to vigil for the remaining period, on the corner of Russell and Flinders Streets.

This only serves to reinforce our point that this is precisely the kind of treatment that the poor and the environment receive from those at the G20 meetings. Pushed from place to place, refused representation and ignored, it reveals the bullying nature of the state's tactics against even peaceful protest. This makes it easier for G20 ministers to make or reinforce policies that exclude their interests. Following Jesus' example, we will continue to stand in solidarity with the oppressed despite opposition.

Our protest presence will remain until Sunday evening.

Media contact for A G20 Christian Collective: Rev. Simon Moyle 0402 857 915.

Photos will be available soon.