Reclaim Australia Melton anti-Islam rally to see local businesses closed

POLICE will enforce zero tolerance at Melton’s anti-Islam rally on Sunday, but it’s not enough to convince some local businesses to stay open amid fears of violence.

Reclaim Australia protester during a rally by anti racism protesters against the newly formed anti-Muslim Reclaim Australia at Federation Square on Saturday, April 4, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair

POLICE will enforce zero tolerance at Sunday’s anti-Islam rally in the wake of a weapons scare and flared tensions due to events in Paris.

Barriers will be erected in a bid to avoid violence between right-wing group Reclaim Australia and counter protesters at the Melton rally.

But several nearby businesses will close for fear of trouble.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane had a stern message for any would-be troublemakers.

“Often with these rallies people get caught up on the day and lose sight of what they are aiming to achieve,” he said.

“I urge people who are planning to attend to think about the message they are sending to the community.

“Victoria Police will intervene in the event of any acts of violence, intimidation, racially motivated attacks, or assault in order to keep the peace.

“Urging violence and hatred within our community is not a form of free speech and will not be tolerated.

“Any attempt to intimidate, harass or any forms of violence or crimes targeted at faith or multicultural communities will not be tolerated.”

Protesters clashed at an earlier rally at Federation Square in April. Picture: Hamish Blair

Local politicians have also appealed for no violence.

Melton state Labor MP Don Nardella said both sides should stay home.

“It’s unacceptable and they should not be there, once these people leave all they will have left is conflict and division,” Mr Nardella said.

Yarra councillor and No Room for Racism rally organiser Stephen Jolly called on Victoria Police to stop future Reclaim Australia and United Patriot Front rallies.

“Not for the first time we see a hard core in Reclaim Australia/UPF that’s tooled up with guns and tasers intent on bringing them to a public rally,” Cr Jolly said.

“The police need to stop facilitating their rallies which are a cover for potential attacks on those who oppose racism.”

Hundreds of protesters, who have clashed violently in the past, are expected to rally outside Melton’s Civic Centre.

Organisers Reclaim Australia are opposed to a new mosque in the city and an Islamic school.

Supporters of opposing side No Room for Racism have masked their faces in the past.

The terrorist attack in Paris have raised fears of violence along with the arrest of a Reclaim Australia activist, Phillip Galea, who has been jailed after pleading guilty to possessing tasers.

@AndyJeffo