Climate protester faces Brisbane court wearing possum makeup after delaying coal train for hours
Climate change protester who calls herself ‘Kitty Kitty Meow Meow’ stands in court with her face painted like a possum – after bizarre protest that put lives at risk
- Climate protester stands in court with make-up on the face of possums
- Alleged to have delayed freight trains for about two hours
A climate protester has appeared in court dressed as a possum after allegedly stopping a coal train by sitting on it.
Caitlin McMahon, known as ‘Kitty Kitty Meow Meow’, faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday after being charged with obstructing railway tracks, entering rolling stock not used for passengers, entering a railway line and serious mistreatment.
The 25-year-old is said to have scaled a coal train into Brisbane Harbor at 8.30pm on Friday, delaying several trains by about two hours.
A major police operation, including the deployment of a police helicopter, was deployed to apprehend McMahon and remove her from the train.
McMahon is one of many activists who have recently staged dangerous protests that have disrupted the activities of fossil fuel organizations across Australia and threatened the safety of workers and the general public.
A 25-year-old climate protester, Caitlin McMahon (pictured), stood outside Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday after reportedly delaying a train by about two hours
Police allege McMahon was able to gain access to the train after a man wearing a safety vest stood on the tracks and shrieked the train to a halt.
The man allegedly told the train conductor that there was a person on the train before quickly fleeing the area.
Ms. McMahon live-streamed the event for about 85 minutes and spoke about the intentions of the protest and why she was dressed as a possum.
“I’m here because Australia and its many systems, governments (and) tyranny are doing nothing to stop climate catastrophe, so it’s up to us to take matters into our own hands,” she said.
“We have successfully blocked all train and freight activity in the Port of Brisbane this evening.
“My name is Kitty, but I’m dressed up as a possum today and I’m a nocturnal creature, and I stand in solidarity with all my furry friends.
“It’s not just us humans experiencing this climate catastrophe, it’s all beings coexisting and sharing this space.”
The live stream was posted on YouTube alongside countless other videos of protesters’ live streams.
A massive police effort, including the use of a police helicopter, was used to arrest McMahon on Friday night after she live-streamed the entire event (pictured, police on scene)
McMahon was granted bail provided she does not come within 50 yards of any Queensland rail infrastructure (pictured, Brisbane Magistrates Court)
McMahon, who still had her face painted like a possum after spending the night in custody, was granted bail by Magistrate Andrew Moloney on the condition that she not come within 50 yards of Queensland’s rail infrastructure.
Police prosecutor Zoe Rickards opposed the grant of bail because McMahon was part of the group that staged similar protests. The courier mail reported.
Ms. Rickards also noted the police efforts made to remove McMahon from the train.
“It took two hours… to free the defendant from the train set, it took 20 police units, including Polar, again on a Friday night, usually one of our busiest times of the week,” she said.
McMahon’s attorney, Lauren Heaney, argued that her client had no criminal record and was active in an LGBTQ+ safe space community near Nimbin, northern NSW.
McMahon is expected to appear before Wynnum Magistrates Court on July 17.