Indigenous rights protesters burned several Australian flags during a protest in Brisbane as the G20 Summit continued on Sunday.
With Australia in the international spotlight this weekend due to the political forum, indigenous protesters aired their disgust with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who had downplayed the presence of Aboriginal people during the country's early days.
Protesters chanted "resist, revive, decolonize" as the flags went up in flames, according to the Brisbane Times.
Protesters had called for an end to the deaths of Indigenous Australians in police custody during demonstrations a few days prior.
Indigenous protest group burns the Australian flag at #Brisbane #g20 rally @abcnews pic.twitter.com/ZaGCS97XJ1— Alyse Edwards (@Alyse_Edwards) November 16, 2014
Flag burning isn't illegal in Australia. Lawmakers unsuccessfully attempted to ban the practice in 2003 and 2008.
The roughly 50 indigenous protesters also lit up effigies of Australian Aboriginal leaders. According to news reports, the demonstrators called the leaders sellouts.
Effigies of Noel Pearson, Warren Mundine burned by indigenous protest group at #BrisbaneG20 demonstration @abcnews pic.twitter.com/94ecmEKFhi— Alyse Edwards (@Alyse_Edwards) November 16, 2014
The provocative rally came just hours before the summit's closing speeches.
Demonstrators allied to many causes--from climate change to freeing Tibet-- have been a common sight in Brisbane during the summit despite the extreme heat.
Thousands of police have been on hand to keep the peace.