Indigenous Senator confronts King Charles III during Australian Visit

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Monday, October 21st, 2024

RKI Web Desk!

Sydney, October 21 – King Charles III faced sharp protests from Indigenous Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe during his speech at the Australian Parliament on Monday. Thorpe, a vocal advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, interrupted the monarch, accusing the British crown of historical injustices against First Nations peoples and demanding a treaty.

“This is not your land. You are not my king,” Thorpe declared, draped in a fur cloak, as she confronted Charles. Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting the senator out of the chamber.

Thorpe has long advocated for a treaty that formally recognizes the sovereignty of First Nations peoples and holds Britain accountable for the impacts of colonization. “You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole—our bones, our skulls, our babies,” she shouted. Thorpe reiterated demands for Indigenous representation and a treaty with the Australian government, saying, “Treaty now.”

The protest coincided with Charles and Queen Camilla’s first official visit to Australia since his ascension to the throne. The royal couple is in the region for five days and will attend a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

Thorpe’s confrontation follows Australia’s recent referendum, where a proposal to create a “Voice to Parliament” was rejected by voters. The referendum aimed to grant Indigenous Australians formal constitutional rights to advise parliament on policies affecting their communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, known as Australia’s First Peoples, have inhabited the continent for over 60,000 years. Since British colonization in 1788, they have endured significant challenges, including loss of land, forced child removals, and denial of citizenship rights. Thorpe’s protest reflects ongoing calls for justice and recognition for Indigenous communities.