Swarms of anti-police activists rally in Melbourne’s CBD

Dozens of protesters have begun chanting “stop cop city” and “no justice, no peace, no racist police” with one activist dragged away by officers as tensions flared at a rally in the city.

Protesters demanding that police cease operations are stopped in the city. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

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A swarm of anti-police activists descended on Melbourne city streets on Friday “demanding” both Victoria Police and the Australian Border Force cease operations.

The protesters who have been urged to wear masks — were set to gather at the corner of Spencer and Collins streets in the city from 5pm on Friday.

Police officers, including mounted units, were littered across the intersection of Collins and Spencer St a half-hour before the protest began.

A short time later, protesters equipped with speakers, signs and masks began to meet across the road from Southern Cross station, where they were quickly addressed and searched by police.

The rally was in response to the police shooting of Abdifatah Ahmed in Footscray. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Protesters were encouraged to wear masks. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Police talk to a protester before the rally kicked off. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Pro-trans activists clashed with police last month. Picture: Diego Fedele

It started as a peaceful rally before it turned violent. Picture: Josie Hayden

Dozens of protesters began chanting various slogans such as “stop cop city” and “no justice, no peace, no racist police.”

The gathering turned violent when a protester physically engaged with officers before being dragged away from the crowd by police.

A speaker among the protesters confirmed the anti-police rally was in response to the police shooting of Abdifatah Ahmed in Footscray and the “police repression at the trans counter rally” in April.

Speakers at the rally also decried police treatment of trans people, First Nations Australians, drug users and immigrant sex workers.

Rally goers began marching down Spencer St towards police headquarters at 6.30pm.

There they were met by around 60 police units who lined the stairs outside the building.

The protesters continued past the facility before turning down La Trobe St.

Leading the convoy were marchers brandishing banners marked with “Smash the Fash Queers Bash Back” and “Stop the Police Brutality.”

City dwellers were left confused as the parade of protesters toured the streets of the CBD, obstructing public transport and commuters.

The activist group believes officers have been “brutalising” protesters at regular city rallies, including at last month’s violent clash during another city protest.

The shooting death of a man in Footscray at the hands of two officers is expected to be a core argument for the abolishment of the force.

“Abolish the police. Our safety — in our hands,” the activists’ flyer reads.

“Police don’t keep us safe — police protect profit and power.

“From brutalising protesters to deadly force — this is business as usual for Victoria Police.”

One serving police officer was left speechless at the group’s aim to abolish the force.

“I can’t even comment on it. It hurts my brain to read,” the officer said.

“Imagine if we were able to do what these people actually deserve. It’s ridiculous.”

The large group marched through several city streets. Picture: Josie Hayden

Senator Lidia Thorpe was invited to speak at the rally but is understood to have knocked back the offer.

A poster outlining the list of speakers, which included a “drug user advocate” and a “Palestinian organiser”, appears to have been wiped from social media.

Activists have again been urged to wear masks “to protect yourself from Covid-19 and police surveillance”.

Victoria Police has been granted extra powers in a designated area spanning almost the entire CBD.

They will be permitted to conduct searches for weapons and can request a face covering be removed.

Pepper spray was fired at the group. Picture: Josie Hayden

Friday’s rally has the potential to cause serious traffic chaos for those leaving the city at the end of the working day, with cars and trams likely to be affected at some point.

It is not known if the group are planning to march through the city — which could see certain sections of the business district descend into gridlock.

The force said they would have a “visible presence to keep the peace” throughout the city on Friday afternoon.

“Victoria Police respects the right for people to protest lawfully however we expect that they do so peacefully without impacting the broader community,” a statement read.

Last month’s rally, which began as a pro-trans protest before it shifted to an anti-police movement, saw hundreds of activists unexpectedly march down major city streets without warning.

They held signs reading “cops kill queers” and “VicPol protects Nazis” and were particularly riled up at the controversial and deadly police shooting of Abdifatah Ahmed at Footscray.

One protester intentionally blocked a female driver on Swanston St. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

They blocked trams and slowed the movement of an ambulance and fire truck attempting to navigate through the angered crowd.

Some were seen throwing projectiles at the officers before members fired back with pepper spray.

One lone protester was seen intentionally blocking the path of a car on Swanston St, which reduced the innocent, young, female P-plate driver to tears.

That protester had, just moments earlier, been advocating for all women, including the rights of trans women.

Originally published as Swarms of anti-police activists rally in Melbourne’s CBD