Dozens of arrests have been reported amid a heated anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne, Australia, where hundreds gathered to demand an end to Covid-19 measures, meeting a heavy police presence and at times clashing with officers.
A sizable crowd descended on Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday morning for the ‘Freedom Day’ rally, calling on state authorities to rescind Victoria’s stage four coronavirus restrictions, which include a nightly curfew.
Massive scuffle has just broken out. Things are getting ugly @theheraldsunpic.twitter.com/VX1jD2Kr6e
A local reporter on the scene reported at least 20 arrests that she’d witnessed first hand, sharing footage of black-clad officers as they clashed with demonstrators.
BREAKING: Protesters have begun clashing with police @9NewsAUS@9NewsMelb@ACurrentAffair9pic.twitter.com/ixDOP4HCNu
Starting their rally at the Shrine of Remembrance, a memorial for veterans of World War I in central Melbourne, the protesters were soon pushed away by riot police, who were seen gathered in large numbers around the area.
Public order police pushing protestors back @9NewsAUS@9NewsMelb@ACurrentAffair9pic.twitter.com/HDi3d6VOz3
@VictoriaPolice not messing around today pic.twitter.com/dL8zBsXAIc
The demonstrators have since abandoned the Shrine and were seen flocking to another location, according to a local reporter, though their current destination is unclear.
They’re on the move. Unsure to where. Crowd size continuing to grow. @9NewsAUS@9NewsMelb@ACurrentAffair9pic.twitter.com/o3WUz4AMfc
Anti-lockdown have now taken over Albert Park lake. Can’t see any police yet @theheraldsunpic.twitter.com/EgeBgWzS8y
