Australia imposes youth curfew in violence-hit town in Northern Territory

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Amid group violence that saw people hurling stones at each other, Australian authorities imposed a two-week-long youth curfew in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

Region’s Chief Minister Eva Lawler said youth aged 18 and below “will be taken home or taken to a safe place” if “seen out in the town center.”

Alice Springs witnessed unrest on Tuesday between families and groups following the funeral of an 18-year-old youth who died in a crash early this month.

The unruly crowd, armed with knives and weapons, shouted and hurled stones at private properties.

Defending her action to impose a curfew, Lawler said the situation in the town was “horrific and unacceptable.”

The administration has deployed an additional 58 police officers to halt the ongoing violence.

"I am fed up with this appalling level of crime and anti-social behavior. The community has had enough, and so have I,” said the chief minister.

Police have confiscated weapons and have reportedly made a few arrests too.