SYDNEY, Jan 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Vandals in Australia poured red paint over
a statue of famed British explorer James Cook, officials said Friday ahead of
large anti-colonial protests expected over the weekend.

Statues of colonial figures have become common targets ahead of Australia Day
on January 26, a date that marks the arrival of European settlers at Sydney
Harbour in 1788.

Thousands of demonstrators typically hold mass rallies on the holiday,
decrying the historical plight of Australia's Indigenous peoples at the hands
of colonial masters.

The sandstone statue of Cook in eastern Sydney was doused in red paint and
had its hand and nose smashed off, local mayor Dylan Parker said.

Parker said the same statue of Cook -- who claimed Australia's eastern
coastline for Great Britain in 1770 -- was targeted in February last year.

Local politician Andrew Hay said the vandals were "low lives" seeking to make
a "political point".

Thousands are expected to gather at protests in Sydney and Melbourne for
Australia Day on Sunday, drawing attention to the many hardships still faced
by Indigenous Australians.