Hundreds gather for Brisbane ‘Freedom Day’ protest

Angry members of the public have lashed out as hundreds of people marched through Brisbane CBD streets today in a rally against COVID-19 restrictions and border closures. Similar protests in Melbourne and Sydney have been marked by violence and arrests.

Hundreds of people have gathered in Brisbane today for a “Freedom Day” protest.

Starting at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, protesters have now taken to city streets chanting “free Victoria” and “freedom matters”.

There is zero level of social distancing.

Earlier, people had arrived at the protest carrying signs saying “Save the children”, “My Body My Choice”, “F--k the System”, “Free Melbourne”, “End the Lockdown” and “Open our Borders”.

There was a strong police presence.

A male speaker likened the current situation in Victoria to the “Nuremberg Trials of 1945, saying that Australian Defence Force personnel stationed in Victoria were like Nazis who said they were “just following orders” during World War II.

Following the Gardens rally, the marched along Brisbane CBD footpaths, with no social distancing.

Angry members of the public have lashed out at protesters as they walked through Queen St Mall.

“You’re so stupid, you’re putting us all in danger,” one woman screamed loudly.

Another group of young people screamed towards the group: “f*ck you”.

Members of the public who yell at the group have been escorted away by police.

The scenes in Brisbane have been far different to those that have played out in Melbourne, with police and protesters clashing at city landmarks.

Hundreds of police have tried to control a protest at Albert Park.

A number of people have been arrested in Melbourne, and in Sydney where a protest was endorsed by anti-vax celebrity Pete Evans and controversial boxing champ Anthony Mundine.