CANBERRA: Protesters set fire to the Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia's capital city, on Thursday, severely damaging the building's front door. According to a source, firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 11.30 a.m. (local time).
Local media captured demonstrators in front of the building on video. The Old Parliament House, which now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy, was forced to close last week after demonstrators set fire to the door, which was later determined to be a ceremonial blaze, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
According to 7-News Australia, the building was evacuated as a precaution and the fire was put out. Police were seen taking demonstrators away from the building's front steps, as well as a massive fire blazing on the doors, according to social media footage. The incident on Friday was confirmed by ACT Policing as part of a spate of recent protests.
"Old Parliament House was evacuated earlier today after demonstrators set fire to the building's front doors - this was promptly put out by ACT Fire and Rescue," a spokeswoman told 7 News Australia.
From 1927 to 1988, Old Parliament House was the seat of Australia's federal politics, and it is currently on the National Heritage Register.
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