Harrison McLean charged over anti-lockdown protest that exploded in Richmond

A self-declared “freedom activist” has been freed after he was charged with inciting an anti-lockdown protest that erupted in Richmond.

A Melbourne protest ringleader and self-declared “freedom activist” has been charged with incitement over a recent anti-lockdown protest, where demonstrators turned Richmond streets into battlegrounds.

Victoria Police confirmed it had charged a 25-year-old Bayswater man “after he allegedly encouraged people to breach the chief health officer’s directions”.

Harrison McLean outed himself as the man arrested and charged.

The Monash University graduate, who studied physics and computational science, is understood to be one of the members who run the Melbourne Freedom Rally group on encrypted app Telegram.

Melbourne’s streets are overrun by demonstrators during the Richmond protest. Picture: Jason Edwards

The group has promoted last week’s rallies against vaccination mandates, during which demonstrators shut down the West Gate Bridge and descended on the Shrine of Remembrance.

This is in addition to the anti-lockdown and anti-vax “freedom” rallies scheduled on Saturdays, which have attracted thousands to the CBD over the past three months.

Ten police officers were injured during the protest on September 18, with six requiring hospital treatment.

Mr McLean wrote to his Telegram subscribers on Sunday that he had “accepted bail conditions for release”.

“Which include following CHO directions, and refraining from promoting Freedom Events that contravene CHO directions,” he wrote.

Ugly scenes as police attempt to stop protesters gathering in the city. Picture: Jason Edwards

Hundreds of anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination protesters gather. Picture: Alex Coppel

“After advocating for the freedom of all Victorians, incitement charges have been laid against me in relation to the events that took place at the World Wide Rally for Freedom 4.0 in Melbourne on September 18.”

“My legal battle now begins to continue the fight for freedom in Victoria, against the Andrews Regime.”

In the comment section, Mr McLean said his bail conditions were “reasonable for the circumstances”.

“There is nothing to be gained from spending time in jail. There is a lot that can be done while outside that is not directly rally related,” he said.

“Monica (Smit) had much harsher conditions.”

A demonstration explodes at CFMEU headquarters two days after the Richmond protests. Picture: David Geraghty

Hordes workers invade the West Gate Bridge in the wake of the riot. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Demonstrators take over the Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

MONDAY PROTEST SHUT DOWN

Police dismantled a peaceful pro-choice protest in Fitzroy on Monday morning.

The silent protest was attended by about 50 people — some whom claimed to be healthcare workers — in the Edinburgh Gardens about 11am.

Many of the attendees said while they were pro-vaccine, they were also pro-choice and were protesting against mandatory vaccination.

The protest was allowed to go on for about 20 minutes until public order response police arrived and shut it down.

No arrests were made and no fines were issued.

Police surround a protest in Fitzroy. Picture: Paul Dowsley/Twitter

People claiming to be healthcare workers were among the protesters.

Some protesters carried signs saying “healthcare workers are being silenced” and “last year hero, this year unemployed”.

One woman in medical scrubs, who claimed to be a healthcare worker and who appeared in an interview on the Real Rukshan’s livestream footage, said she did not believe in mandatory vaccination.

“We got our message across,” the woman said.

“We have peacefully dispersed and that is the end of it today.

“We are protesting against vaccine mandate. Not only for the healthcare industry but any industry.

“The fact that people have no other choice given to them. They feel like they can’t get out of lockdowns.

“I work in vaccine hubs. Most of the people I vaccinate are there because they are doing it for their own health and safety. Because they want their lives back. That is not a reason to consent to a medical treatment.

“I’m vaccinated myself but I am also pro-choice.”

The demonstration comes after a series of heated protests between police and anti-lockdown groups last week.