Coronavirus Victoria: Anti-mask protesters arrested in Melbourne

Multiple anti-mask protesters have been arrested after gathering for a mass demonstration in Melbourne despite surging case numbers.

Multiple anti-mask protesters have been arrested after gathering for a demonstration in Melbourne despite surging COVID-19 case numbers.

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, the Herald Sun reported.

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A man is arrested after an anti-mask protest in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling / NCA NewsWire

Victoria Police with a man who was cuffed but later released. Picture: Alex Coppel

A woman arrested at the Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: David Crosling / NCA NewsWire

Two women fined at the scene for failing to wear masks. Picture: David Crosling / NCA NewsWire

Several people detained or arrested outside the Shrine in the past hour, including this man who arrived in a novelty mask then ran from police. When caught nearby he insisted he had a medical condition which prevented him from wearing a face covering. pic.twitter.com/byTUAL1OkP

— Paul Dowsley (@pauldowsley7) July 31, 2020

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Coronavirus deniers gathered earlier for a mass demonstration to honour the ANZACs in Melbourne today – despite the city’s cases numbers spiralling out of control.

Members of a national conservative Christian Facebook group posted pictures of themselves attending a “Dawn Service” in Sydney this morning.

Despite record coronavirus case numbers in Victoria, protesters also gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance at 10am.

Many in the Christian group with over 2000 members said they’d attend the event.

A flyer for the demonstration is being circulated widely among anti-mask communities, urging people to pay tribute to the soldiers despite strict lockdown orders.

Anti-maskers hold a protest on the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: David Crosling / NCA NewsWire

The group gathered for a ‘Dawn Service’. Picture: David Crosling / NCA NewsWire

A protester holds a flag at the Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: David Crosling / NCA NewsWire

A protester talks with police. Picture: David Crosling / NCA NewsWire

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Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday gave a clear warning to those wishing to gather for the event.

“I’ve got a very clear message for anybody who wants to go to that protest or any other protest; don’t do it,” he said.

“The only thing we should be protesting against, or fighting against, is this virus. Stay at home means stay at home. It’s not one of the lawful reasons to leave your home.”

The state witnessed its deadliest day on Thursday – and Australia’s highest daily total in the pandemic so far – recording 723 new COVID-19 cases.

After announcing 13 deaths on Thursday morning, a 14th death was reported later that night – a man in his 50s from the regional Victorian town of Portland in the state’s west.