Coronavirus: Dozens arrested at Melbourne anti-lockdown protest
Dramatic footage shows police and anti-lockdown protesters clashing in Melbourne — despite the city enjoying its first week of freedom.
Violence erupted at an anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne on Tuesday, despite the city enjoying its first week of freedom from harsh restrictions since stage four lockdown was implemented.
Police and protesters clashed at Parliament House on Tuesday, with capsicum spray used and protesters forced to the ground and arrested.
Tensions have boiled over at an anti-lockdown rally at Parliament House in Melbourne. Dozens arrested. Capsicum spray used. Protesters chanted “human rights matter†and “freedom†before police moved in to remove them one by one. pic.twitter.com/CZEZkc5lt6
— Jack Paynter (@jackpayn) November 3, 2020
The rally started at 12pm in the city centre on Melbourne Cup Day, a public holiday in Victoria.
It escalated to violent clashes in the street in front of Parliament House on Spring Street about 1.30pm.
One man who was arrested claimed police were trespassing as he scuffled with officers telling him to stop resisting.
Another yelled “I can’t breathe” as he was pinned to the ground by five police.
He appeared unharmed as he was led away in handcuffs.
Protesters also turned on the media and chanted, “tell the truth”.
The persistent anti-lockdown protesters said they “will not forget” Melbourne’s strict 112-day measures as they descended on Parliament House for another rally.
Hundreds were seen gathered at the base of Parliament steps in Melbourne, demanding Premier Dan Andrews resign.
Protesters carried signs saying “don’t trust the government” and chanted for police to join them in their rally.
Dozens were seen being arrested, who formed a circle around the protesters and were earlier seen deploying capsicum spray.
Organisers of the demonstration planned for 12pm on Melbourne Cup Day said they were carrying on even after the citywide lockdown was lifted to call for the Premier to resign.
They said they believe not enough of the coronavirus restrictions have been eased and are calling for greater freedoms.
“We will keep fighting (until) Daniel Andrews is gone,” they said.
“Daniel Andrews presided over the worst response to the pandemic of any state leader by an extraordinary margin.
“We will not forget. Of all the Australian states and territories, Victoria endured the harshest and longest lockdowns.”
On Monday, a single message in an encrypted thread being used to communicate to the hundreds of protesters read: “Cup Day. Midday. Parliament. This isn’t enough, Dan.”
By 2.20pm on Tuesday the protest appeared to have fizzled out.
The remaining 100 demonstrators were arrested and taken away individually by public order response police.
About a handful remained chanting at police into the afternoon.
After the rally dispersed, protesters discussed planning another action on social media.
One of the group organisers told the others in a chat, “Next time we’re thinking the shrine again”.
An anti-lockdown protest on October 23 which started at the Shrine of Remembrance in the Melbourne CBD drew hundreds and also ended in dramatic clashes between protesters and police.
Victoria Police said on Tuesday morning it was aware of the planned rally and would be running a significant public order operation in response.
“Everyone has a right to protest peacefully, as long as it is in accordance with the chief health officer directions and does not impact the rest of the community, who also have the right to go about their daily business,” a spokeswoman said.
“Anyone coming into the city in blatant breach of the directions or looking to disrupt others, create conflict and incite violence can expect a very firm response from police.
“The chief health officer directions are very clear for the need to avoid groups of more than 10 gathering in public places across metropolitan Melbourne to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”
A police officer had to be taken to hospital during the last anti-lockdown protest on October 23 after clashes between cops and protesters turned ugly.
Sixteen people were arrested and 96 were fined.
‘Keep Australians safe’: Dutton’s call to PM on ‘terror’ caravan
Peter Dutton has called for an independent assessment of a communications breakdown involving the Prime Minister over an alleged Sydney terror plot.
Student Ombudsman staff trained in anti-Semitism, Islamophobia
The new conflict resolution service expects students to escalate issues about racism, discrimination and gender-based violence.