More than a hundred climate activists have been arrested on charges of blocking for 30 hours Newcastle coal portthe largest of its kind in the world, during an action that took place this weekend.

Protesters took to the sea with dozens of kayaks, surfboards and floats intended to draw attention to global warming.

In total, they have been 109 people arrested, among them 49 men and 60 women. In addition, five of them were minors and although they have been released, the Police have indicated that they will be “treated” as alleged young criminals.

The activists took to the water with their surfboards in Newcastle, Australia.

The activists took to the water with their surfboards in Newcastle, Australia. | Reuters

Two of the protesters, Johan Wurcker, 65; and Isaac Leonard, 23; have received two fines of 650 and 600 Australian dollars, respectively, after pleading guilty to operating a vessel after the deadline to legally protest had expired. Both appeared at Newcastle Local Court this Monday. The rest of those arrested will appear on January 11, 2024.

The climate action group Rising Tide has been determined to continue holding protests until the state and federal governments do more to address climate change, as reported by the Australian television network ‘ABC’.

“That is the option that we are giving to the Government: Or do your job and take on the industry is causing the crisis, or people will continue to put themselves in situations like this,” said group spokesman Zack Schofield.