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Black Lives Matter protests Australia this weekend: Sydney protesters pepper-sprayed

Sydney's peaceful protests have taken a dark turn, with pepper spray appearing to have been used on demonstrators in Central Station. 

James Hall and Gavin Fernando with Benedict Brook
less than 2 min read
June 6, 2020 - 8:14PM
Protesters pepper-sprayed: Peaceful Black Lives Matter protests turn dark

Tensions are breaking out at Sydney's Central station, with crowds of protesters facing off with police.

Photos show several protesters lying on the floor, after appearing to have been pepper-sprayed.

Workers in high-vis vests can be seen applying water to their faces.

Police have told protesters to leave the concourse at Central Station, warning they "will be arrested".

Thousands of people have turned out across the country for various Black Lives Matter protests, in response to Indigenous deaths in custody and the death of George Floyd in the United States, who was killed while detained by police.

RELATED: Thousands to join protests across the country  

Follow the live coverage below to see how the rallies unfold across the country. 

Updates

Melbourne protesters praised for good behaviour

Victoria Police have also praised people for their behaviour at a protest in Melbourne, despite the meeting being unlawful.

“As of 5pm, there were no arrests made during the protest and we are not aware of any acts of violence or property damage,” Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said.

An aboriginal elder addresses the crowd at a Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne. Picture: William West/AFP

Police will, however, fine the rally organisers $1652 each for breaching the directions of the chief health officer.

Wurundjeri woman Mandy Nicholson, who spoke at the rally, said it was ridiculous to fine people for fighting injustice and she would contest a fine if she received one.

“It’s a democratic right to protest,” Ms Nicholson told AAP.

“We also had police marching with us and talking with us.

“It was very peaceful and a life-changing event for not only black people but everyone.”

Thousands of people turned up to the protest wearing face masks, while volunteers offered hand sanitiser and encouraged people to practise social distancing.

– With wires

Protester arrested for 'breach of the peace'

NSW Police have confirmed a third man was arrested at Town Hall railway station in Sydney over an alleged breach of the peace this afternoon.

The 51-year-old man was moved from the area and spoken to by officers around 2:30pm, but released a short time later.

"No further police action is anticipated at this time," the force said in a statement.

Two people arrested at Sydney's Town Hall station

NSW Police have confirmed two males were arrested on their way to the protest in Sydney's CBD today.

The two males, aged 15 and 23, were arrested at Town Hall Railway Station around 2:20pm following an alleged affray.

"The pair were involved in a physical altercation on their way to the protest and the older man allegedly became aggressive towards police, before he was tasered and arrested," the force said in a statement.

The 23-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment and is expected to be charged with affray.

The 15-year-old was issued with a caution.

NSW Police praise 'peaceful' protests

NSW Police have described the protests that took place across the state today as "peaceful".

Protests took place in Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Wyong, Wagga Wagga and Broken Hill, with "minimal disruption" to communities, police said.

A crowd of 20,000 people protested in Sydney, with just three people arrested.

“I have spoken with commanders who have said they are pleased that all their protests were essentially peaceful,” Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said in a statement.

“Initially, we had a tough job in Sydney as the police operation was already underway when the Supreme Court decision was overturned, but we rapidly changed plans to ensure the event would run smoothly.

“There were some concerns raised by officers on the ground around physical distancing, and while some people were spoken to, no formal police action was required.”

Assistant Commissioner Willing added that officers "displayed impressive levels of patience and resilience under difficult circumstances".

Protesters urged to leave Central station

People are being urged to get onto trains – any trains – and leave Sydney's Central station after several protesters appeared to be pepper-sprayed by police.

Protesters pepper-sprayed at Sydney's Central station

Tensions are breaking out at Sydney's Central station, with crowds of protesters seen facing off with police.

Photos and footage show several protesters lying on the floor after being pepper-sprayed by police officers.

Aid workers in high-vis vests applied water to their faces.

Police have told protesters to leave the concourse at Central Station, warning they "will be arrested".

Pictures: Benedict Brook

Earlier, a Black Lives Matter protester was arrested outside the station.

The man was led away in handcuffs by police as demonstrators shouted "let him go".

Sydney protester arrested outside Central Station

A Black Lives Matter protester has been arrested outside Central Station.

The man was led away in handcuffs by police as demonstrators shouted "let him go".

No arrests in Queensland after protests

The protests in Brisbane have concluded with no arrests made by Queensland Police.

The Brisbane protest lasted for over five hours and ended with a sit-in outside the South Bank Police Station.

Sydney protesters ushered into Central station

NSW Police are now moving protesters away from the street and into Central station.

One man has been held and is being questioned against a wall.

Picture: Benedict Brook

Victoria's protest organisers to cop $1652 fines

Assistant Commissioner of Victorian Police Luke Cornelius has issued a statement on the protest in Melbourne, saying each of the organisers will be fined $1,652 for breaching COVID-19 orders.

"While the Black Lives Matter protest was held in breach of the Chief Health Officer directions, police were generally pleased with the behaviour of those who came into the city to protest today," he said in a statement. "We remain concerned that such a large gathering has occurred without regard for the need to maintain social distance and will now consider what action should be taken in relation to the organisation and conduct of this unlawful gathering.

"As of 5pm, there were no arrests made during the protest and we are not aware of any acts of violence or property damage.

"Victoria Police will be issuing a $1,652 infringement notice to the each of the organisers of the protest today for breaching the Chief Health Officer directions.

"Police will continue to investigate the events of today to determine whether any further follow up enforcement activity is required."

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/national/black-lives-matter-protests-australia-this-weekend-thousands-to-join-protests-across-country/live-coverage/18b8ca72a2564f61dc3e930c18e8eacc