Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Victoria lockdown protesters charged
An anti-lockdown protester has been charged with assault after a police officer received a cut to the head during a rally in Melbourne.
September 6, 2020
Victorian police have charged a protester with assault after an officer suffered cuts to the head during an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne.
Another seven people have been charged with breaching COVID-19 directions after about 200 gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance and Albert Park on Saturday.
Violent scuffles between protesters and police broke out resulting in police arresting 17 people and handing out more than 160 fines.
“Despite all the warnings, it was disappointing to see individuals turn out to protest in the city today, putting the lives of Victorians at risk,” a police statement said
A photographer at the scene says a man punched officers at the city’s Shrine of Remembrance before being fitted with a mask and handcuffs.
Later at Albert Park, police reportedly surrounded a group of about 30-50, pushing some to the ground.
Some of the demonstrators carried placards with anti-government sentiments and at one stage were singing the national anthem.
Before Saturday, police confirmed they had arrested four men in connection with the planned Freedom Day rally.
Those arrests followed the well-publicised arrest of a pregnant Ballarat woman over allegations of a separate rally planned there for Saturday.
Investigations continue.