Over a dozen held in Aussie ‘Freedom Day’ protests
Over a dozen antilockdown protesters were arrested in Melbourne, as those deliberately flouting stay-at home orders clashed with Australian police.
Ignoring official warnings and public health orders, several hundred people gathered yesterday at an illegal protest – promoted by several virus related conspiracy theory groups online – calling for an end to lockdown measures.
A huge police presence responded, arresting 17 as the crowd chanted “freedom” and “scam” towards lines of officers who repeatedly attempted to move people on.
Two protesters were seen raising their arms in a Nazi salute at officers and yelling “Heil Dan”, comparing the state of Victoria’s premier Daniel Andrews to Adolf Hitler, while standing on the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance – a war memorial which partly commemorates Australians killed fighting in World War II.
Demonstrators moved to a nearby park before being surrounded by police and eventually dispersing.
Officers said they issued 160 fines for breaching health orders and were expecting to hand out more in coming days.
Several attendees said they were protesting the government’s response to the pandemic, labelling it overblown or an outright “scam”.
The “Freedom Day” events were largely promoted by several loosely connected groups online that espouse anti-vaccination and virus related conspiracy theories.
Rallies were also held around the country, with 14 people arrested in Sydney and Byron Bay. — AFP