Three arrested in protest outside Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
Three protesters have been arrested after about 100 Aboriginal activists faced off against police outside the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
The activists surrounded by dozens of police officers, some on horseback, marched towards the Carrara Stadium just ahead of the opening of the Games on Wednesday night.
They were stopped outside the arena, chanting: "Always was, always will be Aboriginal land" and "No justice, no Games", while re-branding the event as the "Stolenwealth Games".
Police allege that around 7.30pm, three protestors attempted to gain unauthorised entry into the venue.
Among those arrested was former Northern Territory youth detainee Dylan Voller.
Queensland Police said 20-year-old Northern Territory man was charged with one count of public nuisance and is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on May 3.
Two Queensland women aged 21 and 30 were also with one count each of public nuisance. The women are due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on April 23.
Brief scuffles later broke out between protesters and police, with activists vowing to target the Games every day until it ends on April 15.
"I'm here to tell the rest of the Commonwealth that the Aboriginal nations of Australia have not ceded their sovereignty," one protest leader blasted through a megaphone.
"We have never ceded the supreme authority over our lives, we have never ceded the supreme authority over our land, we have never ceded the sovereignty over our lifestyles and our children."
The Queensland Police Service said they respect the right of people to protest lawfully and peacefully in Queensland but will not tolerate disruptive behaviour during the Commonwealth Games and associated events.
