Planned Vic protesters ‘batsh*t crazy, selfish’, police say as alleged organiser charged

An elderly man has been charged after he allegedly organised a planned anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne’s CBD, with police threatening more arrests.

Protesters who plan to rally in Melbourne’s CBD over tough coronavirus restrictions have been labelled “utterly selfish” by police, who have charged an alleged organiser and threatened more arrests.

Ahead of the proposed “Freedom Day” rally on September 5, North West Metro Region Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius urged people to not attend and blasted those who plan to, calling them “boofheads” and “the tinfoil hat wearing brigade”.

“These people have been saying ‘stuff you Victoria Police, stuff you the people of Victoria’,” he said.

“This behaviour is so selfish.

“It’s batsh*t crazy nonsense.

“We have hundreds of police dedicated to this work ... we will be ready to take action.”

Victoria Police North West Metro Region Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius says officers won’t hesitate to arrest people planning to protest in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Victoria Police via NCA NewsWire

Mr Cornelius said a 76-year-old Windsor man had been arrested and charged with the indictable offence of incitement.

“Now that’s a serious offence,” he said.

The man has been bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Mr Cornelius said police wouldn’t hesitate to lay more charges.

“Their feet won’t hit the ground,” he said.

“Now is not the time to protest.”

Victoria’s state of disaster is in place until September 13 when stage 4 lockdowns in Melbourne and stage 3 restrictions in the regions are scheduled to end.