Protesters block traffic, trams in Melbourne’s CBD over Manus Island

HUNDREDS of Manus Island protesters clashed with police in Melbourne again today, forcing police officers to strike a deal to clear city streets.

Protesters flooded Melbourne’s CBD objecting to the Federal Government’s treatment of refugees on Manus Island. Picture: AAP

HUNDREDS of Manus Island protesters clashed with police in Melbourne again today, forcing police officers to strike a deal to clear city streets.

Public transport and traffic came to a standstill at the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets for more than four hours as protesters dug their heels in against the federal government’s treatment of asylum seekers.

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Victoria Police maintained a heavy presence during Sunday’s protest. Picture: AAP

Hundreds of people gathered at Federation Square after 2pm, following similar protests on Friday and Saturday.

The protesters held banners, chanting “bring them here now” and “refugees are welcome here”.

A smaller group moved to the centre median on Swanston St outside Flinders St Station and continued chanting.

Trams were stopped on Swanston St between Collins St and the Arts Centre during the protest.

Police eventually agreed to leave if protesters would unblock the streets and allow public transport and cars through once again.

The group dispersed just after 4pm and trams began moving again.

Protesters flooded Melbourne’s CBD objecting to the Federal Government’s treatment of refugees on Manus Island. Picture: AAP

Police watched from the sidelines and there was no sign of the unrest that marred protests earlier in the week.

Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said police were forced into a no-win situation.

“Our police are damned if they do and damned if they don’t,” he said.

“When police use force to disperse protesters, they are blamed for being heavy handed, (but) when they try to effect peaceful resolution through negotiation, they can be labelled too soft.”

Tensions were at breaking point, with some protesters claiming police used excessive force when trying to clear city streets.

Photographer Kenji Wardenclyffe said he had his camera “smashed” into his face by an officer.

Protesters face off with police during a nation-wide demonstration to protest the Australian government’s treatment of refugees on Manus Island. Picture: AAP Image/Mal Fairclough

Police officers clash with protestors at the demonstration. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

“I’m just trying to do my job and then one of them pulled out pepper spray and aimed it directly at my face, telling me to ‘back off’,” he said.

Similar protests were held in Sydney and Canberra as human rights groups warned of an unfolding “humanitarian crisis” on Manus Island.

Papua New Guinea police removed hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers from the former detention centre on Friday.

The refugees have been moved to a “transit centre” in nearby Lorengau, but many hold grave fears for their safety.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has repeatedly dismissed those concerns and accused left-wing protesters of offering “false hope” to the refugees.

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