Coronavirus: Melbourne police make arrests at anti-lockdown protest

An officer was taken to hospital and police made at least 10 arrests at an anti-lockdown protest on the steps of state parliament | PICTURES

An anti-lockdown protester is arrested by police on the steps of Victoria's state parliament in Melbourne. Picture: AFP

A police officer has been taken to hospital with a rib injury and Victoria Police have arrested ten people at an anti-lockdown protest on the steps of state parliament.

While some among the several hundred people who gathered from midday simply wanted restrictions eased for the sake of their personal freedom, anti-vaccination placards were prominent, with many protesters bringing their children.

A man is arrested in Melbourne. Picture: AFP

At one point protesters chanted “arrest Bill Gates” - an apparent reference to the Microsoft founder’s role in funding mass-vaccination programs and research.

Other protesters made reference to the 5G mobile phone network, amid a conspiracy theory about it being linked to the spread of COVID-19, while others still presented a dossier “proving” coronavirus is “fake news” concocted by “the government and the media”.

Protesters on the steps of Parliament House. Picture: AAP

In a statement police said that while they respect the public’s right to protest, Victorians’ health and safety needs to be their top priority.

“Victoria Police made it very clear that if a planned protest was to proceed today, it would be in direct contravention of the Chief Health Officer’s current directives,” a police spokeswoman said.

A protester and her baby in front of police. Picture: Ian Currie

“At the protest on Spring Street today, police arrested 10 people, including two organisers of the event. OC spray was deployed during an arrest of one individual.”

Police said the majority of arrests were for failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

“Three of the offenders will also be charged with assaulting a police officer, and another offender will be charged with discharging a missile after allegedly throwing a bottle at police,” the spokeswoman said.

Protesters are met by police. Picture: Ian Currie

“All offenders were released pending summons.

“As a result of the protest activity, a police officer who was in attendance has been taken to hospital for what is believed to be a rib injury.

Tempers flared during the confrontation. Picture: AFP

“When attending the protest today, the priority for police was to quickly arrest those individuals who were acting unlawfully and inciting others to breach the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

“Once police made arrests, the crowd started to disperse.

“Police are continuing to investigate the events of today in order to identify other people who were in attendance.

“Once individuals are identified, we will be issuing them with fines and will consider any other enforcement options.”

Officers detain a man. Picture: AAP