Tussles break out between protesters and security at Cop30 in Brazil

"There were tussles between protesters and security guards at the Cop30 climate talks late on Tuesday night, when a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people stormed the conference centre in Belem. Several dozen men and women, some in brightly coloured feather headdress, ran through the entrance, pushing at least one door off its hinges, before striding through the metal detectors and entering the Blue Zone. UN security guards rushed to stop them, leading to grabbing, shoving and yelling."

"Unlike the past three Cops, which were held in countries with varying degrees of authoritarian government, the Brazilian hosts are actively encouraging civil society and street demonstration to play a role in this conference. Indigenous groups and NGOs have already been more visible inside and outside the venue, helping to balance out the armies of lobbyists that have dominated recent climate gatherings."

Indigenous and non-Indigenous protesters breached the COP30 conference centre in Belém, forcing doors and entering the Blue Zone before UN security intervened. Several dozen men and women, some wearing brightly coloured feather headdresses, carried banners reading Our forests are not for sale and chanted as they were grabbed and removed. At least one security guard was reported injured. After the confrontation protesters left and uniformed fire brigade officers formed a cordon at the entrance. Brazilian hosts are encouraging civil society participation, increasing visibility for Indigenous groups and NGOs and prompting a schedule of multiple planned demonstrations.

Read at www.theguardian.com