An anti-lockdown protest held in Melbourne on Saturday was one of the violent the town has seen in 20 years, Victoria’s high police officer says.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton says his officers had no alternative however to make use of non-lethal weapons to defend themselves from an indignant mob that got here armed and appeared intent on attacking them.
Not less than 9 officers ended up in hospital after being pelted with projectiles, punched and kicked by some members of a 4000 robust crowd who turned out to protest the town’s COVID-19 lockdown.
The largely unmasked protesters let off flares, yelled slogans and blasted music as they moved by way of the CBD.
Greater than 200 individuals had been arrested together with some on remand for earlier crimes. Not less than 19 shall be taken to courtroom fairly than issued with fines in extra of $5000. Two individuals will face assault expenses.
Mr Patton mentioned he was nothing in need of disgusted with the conduct of some within the crowd.
“What we noticed yesterday … was most likely one of the violent protests we have seen in practically 20 years,” he advised reporters on Sunday.
Lockdown protesters violently conflict with police in Melbourne
He mentioned many within the crowd got here armed with projectiles that had been hurled at police and it was clear they had been there to not protest for private freedom however to “confront and assault”.
Eight of the 9 wounded officers have since left hospital however one stays for additional examination. Accidents included blows to the physique, cuts, bruises, suspected damaged noses, one potential incident of lack of consciousness, and one leg harm.
“It seems to us that they got here in with an intention of that violence,” Mr Patton mentioned.
“This wasn’t a bunch that had a selected chief. It appeared that it was indignant males … between 25 and 40,” he mentioned, “who had been intent on inflicting this mayhem, intent on being concerned on this legal exercise.
“I simply hope it would not end result within the mass unfold of COVID-19. The chance that these individuals have now posed to the remainder of the group, by their conduct yesterday, was disgraceful and egocentric.”
Mr Patton additionally revealed 48 individuals have been fined nearly $5500 every over an unlawful engagement get together in Caulfield North, together with the long run bride and groom.
That quantity is predicted to rise with eight different attendees but to be interviewed.
The remainder of the individuals at that get together had been youngsters. They have been warned and will not obtain fines.
NSW police additionally arrested 47 individuals and fined greater than 260 in relation to protests on Saturday.
They issued 137 tickets after stopping round 38,000 vehicles approaching Sydney metropolis, whereas a 32-year-old man who allegedly assaulted an officer was arrested and expenses had been anticipated to be laid.
The constable was taken to hospital for head and neck accidents.
Greater than 2000 individuals additionally gathered in Brisbane Metropolis Botanic Gardens to rally towards the lockdown and vaccine measures.