Police say Melbourne anti-lockdown protest ‘most violent in nearly 20 years’ | The Guardian - Australia Associated Press:
August 22, 2021 - "An anti-lockdown protest held in Melbourne on Saturday was one of the most violent the city has seen in 20 years, Victoria’s top police officer says. Chief commissioner Shane Patton said his officers had no choice but to use non-lethal weapons to defend themselves from an angry mob.... It is the first time during a lockdown protest, police have used such tactics that included rounds of pepper spray projectiles and canisters.
"At least nine officers ended up in hospital after being pelted with projectiles, punched and kicked by some members of a 4,000 strong crowd who turned out to protest the city’s Covid-19 lockdown.... More than 700 extra Victorian police officers were deployed to contain the lockdown protest. More than 200 people were arrested including some on remand for previous crimes [sic]. At least 19 will be taken to court rather than issued with fines in excess of $5,000. Two people will face assault charges....
"Eight of the nine wounded officers have since left hospital but one remains for further examination. Injuries included blows to the body, cuts, bruises, suspected broken noses, one possible incident of loss of consciousness, and one leg injury. [It was not reported whether any protesters were injured or hospitalized - gd]....
"Patton said.... ''I just hope it doesn’t result in the mass spread of Covid-19. The risk that those people have now posed to the rest of the community, by their conduct yesterday, was disgraceful and selfish.' Patton also revealed 48 people have been fined almost $5,500 each over an illegal engagement party in Caulfield North, including the future bride and groom. That number is expected to rise....
"On Sunday, hundreds of protesters gathered at the NSW-Queensland border for an anti-lockdown protest, waving signs reading 'open the border now' and 'I was born free'. Video showed a man riding a horse encouraging people to cross the border, which Queensland has closed to all but essential workers who have received at least one vaccine dose. NSW police arrested eight people and issued 50 infringement notices to protesters, while Queensland police arrested one person for disorderly conduct....
"New South Wales police also arrested 47 people and fined more than 260 in relation to protests on Saturday. They issued 137 tickets after stopping around 38,000 cars approaching Sydney city, while a 32-year-old man who allegedly assaulted an officer was arrested.... The constable was taken to hospital for head and neck injuries.
"More than 2,000 people also gathered in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens on Saturday to rally against the lockdown and vaccine measures. Queensland police said no arrests had been made."
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