Anger as Union Jack set on fire in protest during national day of mourning Queen

2022-09-22

A group of anti-Royal protestors have caused outrage after setting fire to a Union Jack flag during a national day of mourning.

Since the Queen's death, aged 96, earlier this month (September 8), small protest groups have emerged in Commonwealth nations.

And in Australia, one faction took their protests to the extreme by burning the flag during the country's day of mourning for Her Majesty this week.

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Video footage of the anti-monarchy protests outside Parliament House in Canberra went viral online, and was condemned by many online – although officials in Australia seemed more toned-down in their responses.

One user tweeted: “Burning the Australia Flag should be punishable by hefty fines and/or jail time.”

And another posted: “Why waste your day off when you could be burning the Union Jack?”

The group behind the heinous act was Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance.

They spent most of the day of mourning posting on social media using the hashtag #abolishthemonarchy, and one supporter even claimed that the Union Jack was a symbol “covered in blood”, while showing a video of protestors pouring fake blood onto the flag.

Governor-general David Hurley, who is Australia's representative of the Royal Family, said: “In considering the unifying role Her Majesty played, I’d acknowledge that her passing has prompted different reactions for some in our community.

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"I’m conscious to respect that many First Nations Australians shaped by the colonial history have brought a reconciliation journey.

“That is a journey we as a nation must complete.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer her family and her memory is not a marble statue or a metal plaque.

“It is a renewed embrace of service to community. A truer understanding of our duty to others.

“A stronger commitment to respect for all.

“This would be a most fitting memorial, to a magnificent life of service to others. May Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II rest in eternal peace.

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