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Monday, September 7, 2020

Australia suppresses Freedom Day virus

Anti-lockdown coronavirus protesters arrested in Melbourne, 'solidarity' rallies held across Australia | ABC News - Elias Clure, Margaret Paul and staff:

September 5, 2020 - "Police have arrested more than a dozen protesters in Melbourne and Sydney, as hundreds of people joined ['Freedom Day'] demonstrations against coronavirus restrictions across Australia. Earlier on Saturday it was unclear how many people would be attending Melbourne's protests, with some anti-lockdown groups shifting to online events.... 

"However, hundreds of people gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance in the city's CBD on Saturday morning, despite warnings from health authorities. Around 300 protesters [TV news report below says 'thousands' - gd] later walked from the shrine to Albert Park Lake, where police made more arrests as they attempted to contain the crowd.... 

"Victoria Police said officers arrested 17 people, including one person who was arrested for assaulting a police officer. Police issued more than 160 infringement notices for breaches of the Chief Health Officer's stay-at-home directions.... Victoria Police said ... 'Our investigations into this protest will continue, and we expect to issue further fines once the identity of individuals has been confirmed.' 

"The protest appeared to have dispersed by around 2:30pm, but a strong police presence remained around the Shrine of Remembrance.... Police officers on horseback met protesters at the shrine, and later near the lake, and the ABC has witnessed several arrests....

"In Sydney, NSW Police arrested a number of people in Hyde Park and Olympic Park at protests staged in support of the rallies in Melbourne. Among those arrested was a man who police say allegedly assaulted an officer.... Hundreds of protesters also gathered at Brisbane's botanic gardens as part of the 'Freedom Day' protest movement. Around 200 people joined a peaceful protest in Adelaide against coronavirus restrictions, a possible vaccine and privacy breaches. In Perth, hundreds of people rallied at State Parliament as part of the coordinated demonstrations."

Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-05/melbourne-coronavirus-restrictions-lockdown-protests-police/12633164

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