Australia imposes curfew in Alice Springs, home to First Nations

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia has imposed a three-day curfew in Alice Springs, home to First Nations, in the Northern Territory.

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy issued a public disorder declaration for Alice Springs, an official statement said.

It said the order to impose curfew under the declaration was “made following several serious incidents” over the weekend.

Police said the region saw civil disturbances involving large-scale public fighting, assaults on persons, unlawful discharge of fireworks into business premises, and stolen motor vehicles being driven dangerously.

The order restricts movement in Alice Springs “for all residents and visitors to the town" between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the statement said.

The three-day curfew was imposed under new laws implemented in May which empowers local police to take such action.

Police on Sunday night also arrested three youths in relation to an “aggravated robbery” at a service station on the Stuart Highway in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs, home to mostly First Nations or indigenous people, saw a curfew for the second time since March.

The Northern Territory is a vast federal territory in Australia famed for its outback desert landscapes. It houses Australia’s indigenous community.

The region’s Chief Minister Eva Lawler had ordered restrictions for two weeks in late March following group violence that saw people hurling stones at each other.

The curfew was imposed after Alice Springs witnessed unrest between families and groups following the funeral of an 18-year-old youth who died in a crash in early March.