Australian police clash with anti-lockdown protesters

MELBOURNE, Sep 5, 2020, News.com.au. Several arrests have been made and hundreds of fines dished out in Sydney and Melbourne following wild anti-lockdown rallies today, News.com.au reported.

In Melbourne – where thousands of protesters descended on key landmarks across the city – protesters clashed with officers in riot gear, with one officer receiving lacerations to the face.

Footage has emerged of the escalating demonstration, showing attendees being tackled to the ground, while others can be heard telling officers coronavirus is a “hoax”.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews slammed the “absolutely selfish” behaviour of those planning to attend this morning, with mounting fears the illegal protests could undo all of the state’s hard work. It was later revealed Victoria Police made 15 arrests.

“It is not safe, it is not smart, it is not law. In fact, it is absolutely selfish for people to be out there protesting,” Daniel Andrews told reporters, as Victoria reported 76 new coronavirus cases and 11 deaths.

Meanwhile in Sydney, three were arrested at an unauthorised anti-lockdown demonstration in Hyde Park, while 18 others were issued with penalty infringement notices. Altogether across the city, as well as in Byron Bay, there were 14 arrests.

Adelaide and Perth have also seen protests today – despite residents living in essentially COVID-free states. Around 200 South Australians gathered to object against government coronavirus restrictions, a possible vaccine and privacy breaches.

Perth protesters said they were standing in solidarity with those in Victoria.