Sydney anti-lockdown protesters arrested after clashing with police

More than 40 people have been arrested and at least 260 fines issued after protesters stormed Sydney for an unathorised anti-lockdown rally — and police warn others to stay away on Sunday.

A major police operation to stamp out an anti-lockdown rally in the CBD turned ugly on Saturday as “freedom” protesters clashed with the police.

Police arrested 47 people and more than 260 fines were issued after about 250 people protested in Sydney on Saturday. Charges are expected to be laid.

“Of note, a 32-year-old Five Dock man was arrested after allegedly assaulting a police officer at Mountain Street, Ultimo, about 12.30pm,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“The male constable was taken to hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries to his neck and head.”

A police officer was injured while dealing with protesters in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said 38,000 cars were stopped at police roadblocks around the city as part of a pro-active police operation in a bid to keep people from attending a rally, adding he was disappointed people were not staying at home.

“There was a very very high level of compliance,” Mr Elliott said.

“We saw the community backlash after the last protest and that was a genuine reflection of how they saw the actions of a small minority.

“That small minority has again chosen to blatantly ignore the very clear, repeated warnings of NSW Police, which is disappointing, frustrating and – frankly – disgraceful.

“The actions they have taken are likely to prolong the very lockdown they were protesting about.”

Police tussle with a man as part of a major operation to deter an anti-lockdown protest in Sydney.

Police officers involved in a scuffle with protesters at Victoria Park. Picture: Matrix

Mr Elliott said police will be ready in case of a “protest 2.1” on Sunday.

Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said there was more than 1500 police on the streets as part of the operation on Saturday.

“This has never been about stopping free speech, it’s about stopping the spread of the virus,” he said.

“A small number of people who once again deliberately endangered the health and safety of others in the community by attempting to protest near Ultimo were quickly dispersed by police.

“During the state-wide operation, nearly 50 people were arrested and as investigations continue, we expect to identify more people through CCTV and social media footage.”

A man is arrested and led away by police in Sydney. Picture: Matrix

Police warned protesters not to come into the city. Picture: Matrix

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller warned potential protesters this week they will be met with the full force of the law if they gather in defiance of public health orders.

A police officer was injured in a melee at Broadway Rd, near Victoria Park.

Multiple people being arrested. pic.twitter.com/0tpOPW4O5U

— Josh Bavas (@JoshBavas) August 21, 2021

General duties officers from Central, North West and South West Metropolitan Regions, as well as the Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, the Dog and Mounted Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, and PolAir for static and mobile operational activities were all out in force in Sydney on Saturday.

This comes as multiple protesters were arrested in Melbourne as hundreds of people took to the streets to protest the state’s Covid-19 lockdown.

The “Freedom Rally ” protest began at midday, with rallies also planned in every other state capital except for Hobart.

Members of the majority maskless crowd chanted “sack Daniel Andrews” and “no more lockdown” while beating a gong and cheering.

And in Queensland, about 1500 people attended a protest of the same nature.

Man arrested in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

Back in Sydney, taxis and uber vehicles were ordered to stay away from the city with rideshare and passenger services prevented from taking residents to the city’s centre between 9am and 3pm as an extraordinary response to “planned unlawful protest activity”.

Victoria Park was where the protesters gathered and became violent during the last protest on July 24.

Checkpoints were set up on major roads around the CBD including the City West Link at Lilyfield where police checked motorists coming into the city and only let people through for essential reasons.

Huge numbers of police and riot squad muster at Victoria Park.

Police set up road blocks at Lilyfield on the City West Link. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Hundreds of officers are in the CBD to head-off an anti-lockdown protest. Picture: Julian Andrews.

It comes as the man who took centre stage at last month’s lockdown rally in Sydney said he would not be attending Saturday’s planned protest.

Joel Jammal currently faces charges including incitement for his alleged role in the July 24 Freedom protest that saw thousands of protesters take to the streets. Mr Jammal said police had served him an order not to attend.

“I can’t, I’m not allowed to, I was served with an order that said if I go to the protest, or if I got to Victoria Park between 9am and 5pm it is straight to jail,” he said.

Mr Jammal has been charged with incitement and breaching health orders for the July 24 protest.

Joel Jammal at the Freedom march through the streets of Sydney on July 24.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said any gatherings would “most likely prolong the very lockdowns you want to be rid of”.

“These are the darkest days the people of NSW have faced in nearly a century,” Mr Elliott said.

“So for the sake of humanity, please consider your actions.

“Not only will you face the full force of the NSW Police, but you will endanger your loved ones and, most likely, prolong the very lockdowns you want to be rid of.”

A deserted City Road at 7am today. Picture: Julian Andrews.

Despite police warnings of a “wave of blue” and dramatically bolstered police powers, anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown protesters promoted the planned march, even on the NSW Police Facebook post warning protesters they will be “fined and arrested if you show up”.

The Australian Vaccination Risks network urged their followers to attend, posting locations around the country n Instagram

Melbourne anti-lockdown protester Raphael Fernandez posted a promotion for the protest on the NSW Police Facebook page.

Melbourne anti-lockdown protester Raphael Fernandez posted a promotion for the protest on the NSW Police Facebook page.

Melbourne-based Monica Smit on her Telegram account urged NSW followers of Reignite Democracy Australia to use text messages to communicate where protests are occurring for “last minute event details”.

Protesters at the July 24 rally in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

The Australian Vaccination Risks network also urged their followers via Instagram to attend, posting locations around the country.

Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations said more than 1400 officers were deployed across Sydney to “prevent, disrupt and respond to plans for large public gatherings to engage in protest activities”.

Commissioner Mick Fuller said new powers will see anyone outside their LGA without a good reason will be fined and ordered home.

“Police now have the power if they find someone outside of an LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse, we will issue not just an infringement but an order to return home. If someone enters an LGA of concern without an excuse, not only will they be fined, they will be sent home and they will have to self-isolate for 14 days.”

Originally published as Sydney anti-lockdown protesters arrested after clashing with police