Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters face off with police at Queen Victoria Market
Seventy four people have been arrested after protesters locked horns in a tense standoff with police at Queen Victoria Market, where hundreds gathered to protest the strict coronavirus lockdown. Bizarre scenes unfolded as armoured officers marched down aisles of fresh produce.
Police & Courts
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Victoria Police arrested 74 people and issued at least 176 fines at a second day of anti-lockdown demonstrations after protesters gathered at Queen Victoria Market.
Up to 250 people are believed to have attended the rally.
A 44-year-old Burwood East man, believed to be a “primary agitator” for the protests according to police, remains in custody and is expected to be charged with incitement.
His home will also be searched.
Another person also was arrested for assaulting police.
“Police were disappointed that many protesters were aggressive and threatened violence towards officers,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.
“It was extremely disappointing to see people not just protesting, but putting the lives of other Victorians at risk despite all the warnings.
“Our investigations into this protest will continue, and we expect to issue further fines once the identity of individuals has been confirmed.
“While it remains unlawful for Victorians to leave home to protest, you can expect that Victoria Police will hold people to account.
“Anyone thinking of attending a protest can expect the same swift and firm response from police as has consistently occurred in relation to such behaviour.
“We again urge people not to leave home to protest.“
Conspiracy theorists, anti-lockdown advocates and coronavirus deniers began rallying at Peel St, within the fruit section of Queen Victoria Market around 11am.
More than 100 officers swarmed the area, including Public Order Response, CIRT and mounted police, along with the police helicopter patrolling overhead.
Dozens of protesters marched away from police through the market and on to William St, where they chanted “freedom”.
Dozens were arrested around the market and Flagstaff Gardens as groups of protesters splintered off and continued to vent against the lockdown.
Several smaller gatherings paraded around the city, causing major traffic disruption around the CBD before marching back to the market.
In dramatic scenes at Queen Victoria Market, a police officer and protester wrestled to the ground as the man tried to escape arrest.
Angry protesters also swarmed around another officer who was arresting a woman, resulting in a tense standoff before more police arrived.
Earlier, organisers used encrypted phone apps to communicate, in a desperate attempt to avoid police.
They encouraged attendees to “be agile, be like water” as they gather today against health orders to stay at home.
“Be ready to swarm the location to assemble,” protest organiser David said. “Once we have assembled, we are all safe.
“Conducting these protests is dependent on having sufficiently large numbers to outnumber any police presence at a location of assembly.
“Best way to achieve this is to ensure you have talked to everyone you know that might be interested in attending, and attempt to just bring at least one other person with you.
“If we can double the number of the protests week on week, we will send a clear message that Victoria will not forgive and not forget this suspension of our freedoms.”
Attendees were trying to outsmart police by reporting police sightings in the encrypted message thread.
After Sunday’s “freedom” protest, an organiser hailed it as a “huge success”.
“If you got fined, don’t sweat,” an organiser said on an encrypted thread.
“You’re all heroes, you were all like water. Well done.”
It came after a top cop urged Victorians not to protest on Friday.
“I feel like a dog returning to eat his own vomit,” Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said.
“I’m sick of it. It is incredibly frustrating. Please don’t leave home to engage in protest activity. Don’t take us for fools, we will call you to account.”
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