Protesters for Aboriginal rights ignited the entrance doors of Old Parliament House in Australian Capital Canberra. The fire engulfed the entrance before it was put out. The building was evacuated ahead of the fire. Some of the demonstrators claimed to be members of anti-government and ‘sovereign citizens’ groups. “This is not how Australia works,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, condemning the violence. “I am disgusted and appalled by behavior that would see Australians come and set fire to such a symbol of democracy in this country” he said. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the arson incident was a crime, not a protest. Government officials, on the other hand, condemned the attack, saying it was an attack on democracy.
The Australian parliament building was moved to a new building on Capital Hill in 1988 and the old parliament building was decided to serve as a museum.
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