Police swoop on anti-government protest at Treasury Gardens

Several Reignite Democracy Australia protesters have been arrested at Treasury Gardens.

Police have swooped on a group of anti-government protesters at Treasury Gardens.

A large number of police, including Public Order Response Team officers, are responding to a rally by Reignite Democracy Australia.

The Herald Sun has witnessed several arrests of maskless protesters carrying flags and banners.

Others were issued move-on orders.

Protestors gather in Treasury Gardens. Picture: Alex Coppel

Police have issued multiple people with move-on orders. Picture: Alex Coppel

Dozen of police have surrounded the group. Picture: Alex Coppel

Police have arrested several people. Picture: Alex Coppel

Reignite Democracy Australia describe themselves as an advocacy group determined to “take back Victoria”. Picture: Alex Coppel

Mounted police patrol the area. Picture: Alex Coppel

Police spoke to several maskless protesters. Picture: Alex Coppel.

The rally happened on the first weekend of ease restrictions in Melbourne. Picture: Alex Coppel

Protester Monica Smit said she was “pro-freedom” prior to being detained.

“The police are here to serve the people, not Daniel Andrews,” she sarcastically said on a Facebook video.

“They are circling us.

“There are 10 horses, a couple of bikes.. 200 cops (at the protest).”

Another protester claimed COVID-19 had not led to more deaths.

“No one thought five years ago that we could turn into an absolute police state,” he said.

“We know from all around the world that COVID-19 has not increased mortality rates.”

Reignite Democracy Australia describe themselves as an advocacy group determined to “take back Victoria” and have promoted the #SackDan hashtag.

The rally follows weeks of protests by anti-lockdown demonstrators.

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