Brisbane tightens security for G20

Boosted police powers include an arsenal of crowd control hardware

Australia is deploying its largest-ever peacetime security operation amid fears of violent protests or extremist attacks when world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, converge on Brisbane for the G20 summit this weekend.

More than 6,000 police officers from as far afield as New Zealand have locked down the center of Australia's third-largest city, while F/A18 Super Hornets will enforce a strict no-fly zone around the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Police have been given boosted powers, including the ability to strip-search anyone deemed suspicious near the venue, to protect attendees.

They also have an arsenal of crowd control hardware at their disposal, such as water cannons and several "sound cannons" - giant vehicle-mounted speakers that blast ear-piercing shrieks at unruly crowds.

Barricades and checkpoints have been set up along roads near the convention center in Queensland's state capital, while part of the nearby Brisbane River has been sealed off to prevent the risk of a water-borne attack.

Protest flashpoint

The G20's high profile means it has long been a magnet for anti-capitalist protests.

The last major G20 event held in Australia, in Melbourne in 2006, saw running battles between police and demonstrators, culminating in baton-wielding officers in riot gear fighting off an attempt to storm the summit venue.

Since then, clashes have erupted at G20 meetings in Toronto, London and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Katarina Carroll, Queensland assistant police commissioner, said the unprecedented measures, two years in the planning, would allow swift and decisive action if needed.

"One of the greatest challenges faced by both protesters and Queensland police is that of lawful and peaceful protesters being infiltrated by violent and destructive elements," she told reporters.

"Protesters need to be aware of this and remain vigilant."

Another concern for authorities is the threat of an extremist attack inspired by the Islamic State group.

Australia raised its terror threat level to "high" in September, just before raids in Brisbane and Sydney resulted in the arrest of members of an extremist group that allegedly planned to randomly behead a member of the public in order to demonstrate Islamic State's reach.

Queensland has declared Friday a public holiday in a bid to keep down crowd numbers. Brisbane residents have responded enthusiastically by booking accommodations at the region's famous surf beaches, with weekend temperatures forecast to soar above 35 C.

Leave snakes at home

Critics say the city is set to become a police state for the duration of the summit, creating the risk that peaceful protest will be unfairly criminalized.

"Ensuring safety and security around the G20 is a legitimate purpose, but this ... gets the balance completely wrong," Human Rights Law Centre chief Hugh de Kretser said in a submission to the Queensland Parliament.

Some of the items banned by police in the security buffer zone around the summit have invited ridicule.

They include "a reptile or insect capable of causing physical harm", whips, blowpipes, kites and "projectiles" including eggs and metal cans - although police reassured residents this would not prevent them from grocery shopping.

(China Daily 11/13/2014 page11)