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Covid-19: Cops condemn NSW-wide anti-lockdown protests

Thousands of people turned up to anti-lockdown ‘pro-choice’ rallies across NSW on Tuesday, where police arrested more than 150 people and issued almost 600 fines.

An anti-lockdown protester is arrested and detained outside NSW parliament in Macquarie St, Sydney. Picture: Getty Images
An anti-lockdown protester is arrested and detained outside NSW parliament in Macquarie St, Sydney. Picture: Getty Images

Thousands of people turned up to anti-lockdown “pro-choice” rallies across NSW on Tuesday, where police arrested more than 150 people and issued almost 600 fines.

Almost 80 separate, co-ordinated protests were held in metropolitan and regional areas, calling for an end to stay-at-home orders and campaigning against mandatory vaccinations.

Protesters mainly targeted local council chambers, with demonstrations held outside multiple government offices including Fairfield, Blacktown, Liverpool and Sutherland. Of 79 protests held, eight were in Sydney, nine in North West Metropolitan Region, 11 in South West Metropolitan Region, 24 in Northern Region, 13 in Southern Region and four in Western Region.

Three people were arrested outside NSW parliament, and a further five issued with penalty infringement notices.

Three police officers sustained minor injuries following altercations with protesters in Lismore and Murwillumbah, in the Northern Rivers, and Raymond Terrace in the Hunter.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon condemned the protesters, and warned the gatherings could act as superspreader events. “Today’s actions only further serve to jeopardise the freedoms of those people who are doing the right thing,” Commissioner Lanyon said.

“We have made it very clear through the previous weeks that police aren’t opposed to free speech.

“We are opposed to activity that breaches the health orders and puts the vast majority of the community in danger.”

Read related topics:Coronavirus

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/covid19-cops-condemn-nswwide-antilockdown-protests/news-story/d1b365b3a7d0713d1086b2d3f4524c88