Police warn people against attending anti-lockdown protest in Hobart

Tasmania Police is investigating the source of a poster inciting people to attend an American-style rally against lockdown laws.

AN American-style anti-lockdown protest being planned for Hobart this weekend has prompted police to issue a stern warning that such a gathering would be against the law.

A poster has been circulating on social media urging people to “join us as we the people fight to take back our rights”.

Tasmania Police Senior Sergeant Darren Latham. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Tasmania Police Senior Sergeant Darren Latham said police were aware of the report and warned anyone considering attending to think again.

“While police normally support people’s right to peacefully and lawfully protest, with the current direction issued by the Director of Public Health, such gatherings are unlawful,” he said.

Social distancing regulations during the pandemic strictly forbid public gatherings of more than two people.

Hundreds of people gather to protest at California's state capitol building in Sacramento. Picture: JOSH EDELSON / AFP

The planned protest was likely inspired by a wave of protests sweeping the US, in which people are pressuring state governors to end lockdown measures and allow people to return to work.

The USA has close to 800,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – the highest number in the world – and more than 40,000 deaths attributed to the virus.

Others gathered at the Ohio Statehouse to protest 'stay at home' orders. Picture: MATTHEW HATCHER/GETTY IMAGES/AFP

US President Donald Trump is pressuring state governors to end lockdowns in order to get the economy back on track and has publicly supported the protests.

Tasmania currently has Australia’s highest infection rate per capita, reaching 200 confirmed cases overnight, or 37.3 per 100,000 people, with more than half of those cases in the North-West.