Refugee Activists Have Blocked The Entrance To Flemington On Melbourne Cup Day
"Stop The Race-Ist Nation"
Six refugee activists have been arrested after attempting to form a blockade at Flemington racecourse ahead of this afternoon’s Melbourne Cup.
The protesters attempted to disrupt Australia’s biggest horse race by shutting down the main entrance to Flemington on Epson Rd. They unfurled banners reading “Stop The Race-Ist Nation”, “Refuse To Be Complicit” and “All Refugees In Detention Are Political Prisoners”.
Video of the protest posted to Facebook by the Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance shows the protesters chaining themselves together between cars as rain pelts down, before police attempt to remove the banner.
Breaking! Refugee supporters have blockaded road access to the #MelbourneCup #MelbourneCup2018 #auspol #justice4refugees Stop the RACE-IST Nation #disruot2018 #EvacuateNow #manus #nauru #kidsoffalloff #RefuseToBeComplicit
Posted by Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance on Monday, 5 November 2018
One protester can be heard claiming that police kicked them.
It appears the protest was shortlived, with police confirming access to the racecourse had been restored.
“Police are aware of a protest outside Flemington racecourse on Epson Road today,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“Six people were taken into custody and are currently assisting police with enquiries.”