Coronavirus: Anti-masker meeting in Melbourne shut down by police

Victoria Police intervened to quash a planned gathering of anti-mask coronavirus conspiracy theorists at a gym in Melbourne.

Victoria Police intervened to quash a planned gathering of anti-mask coronavirus conspiracy theorists at a gym in the Melbourne suburb Cranbourne on Saturday night.

A family member of one of the event’s organisers told The Age she contacted police to warn them it was happening.

“We were trying everything possible to get the meeting stopped,” she said.

“We’re all just trying to do the right thing.”

RELATED: Follow all the latest coronavirus news

Dozens of police showed up to surround the venue with roadblocks.

The Herald Sun reports officers smashed in the window of a young female driver’s car around 6:30pm after she refused to speak to them.

They briefly arrested the woman, before letting her go a short time later.

“Excuse me, this is unlawful,” she protested.

Channel 7 reporter Cameron Baud took video footage of the incident. There are also photos, taken by Suzan Delibasic.

⁦@VictoriaPolice⁩ crackdown on planned gathering by covid conspiracists. Dozens of police at roadblocks surrounding venue. pic.twitter.com/CS0BYzqMi0

— CameronBaud7 (@CameronBaud7) August 1, 2020

Female driver taken into custody at police road block at planned gathering by covid conspiracy theorists. Car window smashed. She has been released. ⁦@7NewsMelbourne⁩ pic.twitter.com/dJeV9ToEzw

— CameronBaud7 (@CameronBaud7) August 1, 2020

Police smashed in the car’s window. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

The woman told police her arrest was “unlawful”, and repeatedly asked for her bag. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

She was briefly arrested, then released. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

Anti-maskers had planned to gather at a local gym. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

The incident came a few hours after the Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police, Rick Nugent, slammed “blatantly selfish” behaviour from some of the state’s residents.

“We are seeing too many individuals who are going about their lives as if this pandemic doesn’t exist,” Mr Nugent said.

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Multiple anti-mask protesters were arrested on Friday after gathering for a demonstration in Melbourne.

A video showed one man being apprehended by police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, as he screamed “Australia, we’re gonna be free soon! Don’t worry, democracy wins! Democracy always wins!”

A police spokesperson told news.com.au officers had attended and dispersed the group for failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer’s directives.

“Police will investigate the events of this morning’s demonstration and plan to issue fines to individuals who were identified,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“We will also continue to investigate to identify other individuals who were in attendance, and we will consider enforcement options.

“There will continue to be a highly visible police presence in the area throughout the day to ensure the Chief Health Officer’s directions are complied with.”

At least three protesters were arrested and others were moved on by police as dramatic scenes unfolded at the Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.