Media release – Extinction Rebellion, 9 March 2023
Climate Cure on his Conscience
GP back on the street & refusing to leave – 12 arrests & counting, for acts of conscience? What next?
After 12 arrests, Scott Bell is back, once again challenging himself and our society, for love of life on Earth.
His most recent court appearance was on 23rd February this year, when he pleaded guilty on 3 separate charges, including blocking a street in a protest against animal extinctions and trespass at the Commonwealth and NAB banks, all in 2022. He was fined $600 and ordered to pay court costs.
Why is this model citizen breaking the law yet again? He does not take this action lightly.
Scott Bell says, “I’m frightened about the personal consequences of continually being arrested, and the ongoing effects of the police and the law.
“But I’m far more frightened about the worsening global impacts of the climate emergency , magnified by poor political response, weak environmental laws, and corporate greed and destruction. The health , economic, environmental and societal consequences of the climate emergency are already stressing many countries worldwide, and will continue to do so.
“Our elected leaders are failing us, the people, as demonstrated by the failed outcomes of the recent international COP 27 conference.
“Our health system is currently struggling to meet the daily needs of everyday Australians – how will it cope with more sickness and injury and mental health crises , as the climate emergency progresses ? Another broken supply chain.”
“So I must continue my work as an environmentalist and conservationist, and more importantly, as a climate activist.”
Update
Extinction Rebellion Street action today saw an escalation in that the protester was charged with 2 offences (not one as in previous actions).
Dr Scott Bell was arrested in St John Street today. He refused to leave the road where he was holding an Extinction Rebellion banner.
The charges were
- Causing a traffic hazard as a pedestrian
- Failing to comply with a direction of a police officer
Dr Bell was bailed to appear in the Magistrates Court on Thursday 23rd March.
In the meantime he will be excluded from the main city block (St John, Paterson, George and Brisbane Streets) on both sides of the road, between 8am and 6pm.
