By Tanya Steele
Charges have been laid against a group of pro-Palestine activists after they allegedly climbed a rooftop at an engineering company in Bayswater.
Police have charged eight people after their protest at Rosebank Engineering in Bayswater on Monday, 19 February.
Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance (WACA) protester Gayle Demanueule stated in a video via social media during the protest that Rosebank Engineering is a manufacturing company ‘given money by the Australian Government to tool up for the war machine.’
“This company makes a part called an actuator uplift, which is an F-35 part, it opens the bomb bay doors to allow bombs to be dropped on Palestinians in Gaza,” she said.
“We call on the workers here at Rosebank Engineering to down tools on all parts of the war machine. We ask you to use your skills for climate solutions for health, education and housing.”
A statement from Victoria Police said it is believed the group climbed the roof of the Mountain Highway business about 6am, before allegedly refusing to come down for a number of hours.
WACA posted the protest over social media, saying the protest on the roof of Rosebank Engineering lasted for over 12 hours.
The group engaged with police late Monday afternoon and advised they were ready to come down from the roof.
Officers organised a cherry picker to ensure those involved were brought to the ground safely.
Police stated that all protestors have been charged with criminal damage, trespass, and being disguised with unlawful intent, and have been bailed to face Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 11 July.
No one was injured.
Rosebank Engineering was contacted for comment.
