POLICE STATE

Police efforts 'amaze' Baxter protesters

Protesters say they are amazed at what they say is the brutality displayed by police during protests outside the Baxter detention centre in South Australia's north.
Police in full riot gear confiscated a number of kites and had previously charged at a crowd of protesters, popping several dozen helium filled balloons.
A large huddle of protesters carrying a big bunch of balloons marched towards the centre. More officers dressed in full riot gear then charged at the crowd, using sharp tools to pop all of the protesters' balloons.
Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition says the police behaviour has been over the top.
"It's hard to imagine a gentle, kinder natured protest than flying a kite and for people to be assaulted in the way they have been today by the STAR force officers is just beyond the pale," he said.


Baxter Detention Centre protesters forced us to act: police

Assistant Commissioner Burns says the officers were forced to act after protesters failed to heed police warnings about violating the restricted airspace around Baxter.
"They played a game of brinkmanship and provocation by continuing to fly kites after numerous requests not to," he said.