Refugee activists gather in protest, defying virus warnings
Refugee activists protesting long-term detention gathered outside a hotel in Preston and in front of the State Library of Victoria in defiance of authorities who strongly advised against protest action due to a risk of second-wave COVID-19 infections.
VIC News
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Refugee activists defied authorities with a series of protests across Melbourne on Saturday.
Protesters from the Refugee Action Collective spread themselves across eight small rallies to avoid fines despite warnings the protests could still result in a COVID-19 outbreak.
Up to 50 people were at one stage loosely gathered outside the Mantra Bell City Motel in Preston, where dozens of refugees are detained.
A significant number of police patrolled the rally but no one was moved on or arrested.
Police blocked the entrances to the building as protesters called for the release of refugees.
Other protests were held at the refugee detention centre in Broadmeadows and the State Library of Victoria.
More than a dozen socially distanced activists wore masks and chanted “Refugees yes, racism no, detention centres have got to go” outside the library.
In Sydney, activists defined a Supreme Court ban as they marched around Town Hall in groups of 20 or fewer.
State and federal governments strongly advised people not to attend rallies because it risks a second wave of coronavirus infections.
A protester who attended last Saturday’s Black Lives Matter rally tested positive to COVID-19 and there are fears many others were exposed.
Teachers, students and hospital and medical clinic workers attended the rally and have been ordered to isolate if they develop symptoms.
An Education Department spokesman said: “In line with the Chief Health Officer’s advice, we urge any students or staff who attended the protest and develop even the mildest symptoms to urgently get tested and isolate at home.”
Three of the Black Lives Matters rally organisers were each issued $1652 fines.
Last night Victoria Police said no one connected to the refugee protests had been fined.
—With Shannon Deery
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