Protestors infront of the building claim police exacerbated the flames. Photo: Twitter
Old parliament house is a historical building that has now been damaged, The severity thereof is still to be determined.
The old parliament house has been set alight for the second time. A similar incident was reported on December 21st.
Thus far, video footage is available showing the protestors in front of the building. The police have a good amount of evidence to find those responsible for the fire.
According to an activist, the protest was a peaceful one until the police had interfered in the situation.
However, an activist by the name of Albert Hartnett said that the protestors aren’t the ones who started the fire. He claims the police are the ones who made the situation worse.
“They were doing a smoking ceremony. The police [came out] from inside the building, and they came across where the smoking ceremony was taking place, and they sprayed pepper spray onto the flames of the fire,”
Considering the historical significance of the site, ACT Heritage Councillor Kenneth Heffernanhoped that the damage is minor.
According to the Canberra Times, the pepper spray used by the ACT police was water-based and not fire accelerant.
The Commander Champion stated that no one was harmed and no one had been arrested. She added that an investigation is still underway and if those responsible are found they will be prosecuted.
“The investigation is still underway and should we find those responsible, they will be prosecuted,”
At this time there is no significant fire damage to the inside of the building although there is water and smoke damage inside.
According to MSN.com, the tent embassy will hold a three-day event across January 25, 26, and 27 to mark its 50th anniversary and to “honor and mourn our past”.