Protesters slam celebration of ‘genocide’

INDIGENOUS protesters have declared the Commonwealth Games “a representation of genocide”, stating the dozens of competing countries are united by a dark history of British invasion.

Activists delayed the Queen’s Baton Relay for more than an hour yesterday, creating a human chain across the road just as it was planned to begin the final route from Doug Jennings Park at The Spit down Seaworld Dr.

Protester Albert Hartnett said the Games celebrated a culture of murder and violence towards indigenous peoples.

“Our message was today to show solidarity in our many nations in stopping this torch relay,” Mr Hartness said.

“We believe it represents a culture of genocide. Every country that is a part of the Commonwealth Games has been invaded by the British.”

He said the arrival of Prince Charles and his wife Camilla in Brisbane yesterday signalled a time to open discussions.

“We feel that they’ve invaded our country based on a lie, and we believe it’s time to rectify that, and the way to rectify that is for the British royal family to start to sit down and negotiate with indigenous people to determine the futures of our children, and to stop a lot of the injustices in society,” Mr Hartnett said.

“(This) gives us an opportunity to encourage other countries to start to seek and reoccupy their own countries.

“Aunty’’ Pat Leavy said more protests were planned and more activists were making their way to the Coast.

“We want to be recognised as the sovereign owners of this land.”