Three activists who allegedly exposed themselves during a protest at the Tour Down Under say they intend to plead not guilty to charges of indecent behaviour.
- The three women are charged with indecent behaviour
- Activist Christies Beach says: "We know who is behaving indecently and it's not us"
- The women were protesting against Santos' sponsorship of the Tour Down Under
The women, aged between 69 and 74, were protesting against Santos' sponsorship of the race, as part of climate activist group Extinction Rebellion.
Speaking outside Christies Beach Magistrates Court, Margaret Merrilees said she and her co-accused, Beatrix Molanus-Winkel and Jayne Jennifer, would plead not guilty.
"We're charged with indecent behaviour," she said. "We know who is behaving indecently and it's not us.
"We need to do this. We need to stop gas and oil right now."
Extinction Rebellion staged a series of protests during last month's Tour Down Under, calling for the oil and gas producer to be dropped as a major sponsor.
At the time, the group released a statement saying "polite pleas and submissions have not been enough".
"We are baring our ageing breasts and our wobbly bums in the hope of shocking."
The case has been adjourned until April.