A protest against controversial lockdown measures in the Australian city of Melbourne descended into chaos on Saturday as police on horseback chased after demonstrators, arresting 16 and fining over 20 others.
The tumultuous scenes unfolded on the third straight weekend of anti-lockdown protests in the capital of the state of Victoria. Organizers of the rally had kept the location secret until early Saturday in an attempt to avoid a police crackdown.
However, when the demonstration did get underway, the protesters were soon pursued by officers. An eyewitness described the encounter as “chaotic,” with police disrupting the protest by chasing after the people who were present. Demonstrators were seen jumping fences into private property to escape from law enforcement.
Anti-lockdown protests kicking off here at Elsternwick Park @9NewsMelbpic.twitter.com/2IisxBSfrT
One of the people arrested was filmed by the Nine News outlet telling officers: “Wake up, I know you already know this is wrong.”
Despite the interference of the police, the protesters continued to voice their opposition to coronavirus restrictions in Victoria and criticism of the state’s premier, Daniel Andrews.
At least two people arrested at anti-lockdown rally so far @9NewsMelbpic.twitter.com/gGNxWzMqYr
The police labelled the protest a “blatant breach” of the chief health officer’s directions. The demonstrators have indicated there will potentially be further protests on Sunday.
Andrews urged residents of Victoria not to attend protests when announcing on Saturday that there had been 21 new coronavirus cases and seven more deaths in the state. It was the lowest number of new Covid-19 cases in Victoria since 24 June.
Anti lockdown protest: its kicking off at Elsternwick Park. Police are closing in on protesters who have gathered for the rally – crowds now making their way towards the beach @theheraldsunpic.twitter.com/8KEBXtRBY6
The protests come as a proposal allowing police to preemptively lock up people they believe “might” violate coronavirus lockdown measures has gone before the Victoria state parliament.
The mooted law would allow police to indefinitely detain any resident of the state who either tests positive for Covid-19 or is a close contact of someone who has, as long as the officer believes they are “likely to refuse or fail to comply” with quarantine regulations.
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