Hundreds arrested for illegally protesting across Melbourne
More than 200 people have been arrested today after illegally protesting across Melbourne.
Riot police swooped on dozens of protesters gathered at a park in Melbourne’s north this afternoon as demonstrations continued for the fifth day.
Video showed heavily armed police surrounding All Nations Park in Northcote, arresting freedom protesters as picnickers watched on in shock.
Victoria Police said 31 people were arrested in Northcote after up to 80 protesters gathered at the park and nearby shopping centre.
Police were quick to move in and disperse the small group of protesters.
A number of officers were injured throughout the day after being pelted with projectiles, including rocks.
In total, 215 people were issued with penalty notices for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions today.
The group of protesters was originally meant to meet in Melbourne CBD – on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth streets – at 10am but six different locations were announced during the day, causing confusion.
Thousands of protesters took over the CBD this week rallying across city streets, including desecrating the Shrine of Remembrance on Wednesday.
Victoria Police arrested 215 people on Wednesday and made a further 92 arrests yesterday, despite a far quieter day of demonstrations.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton today slammed the protesters as an “insult to every healthcare worker”.
“They think that everything will be solved by taking a horse deworming tablet that gives you the runs and puts some people in hospital,” he said.
“They are literally in a fantasy world … let’s not pretend that these are otherwise rational individuals.”
The arrests come after a protester tested positive to COVID-19 yesterday, forcing police into isolation and sparking fears of a super-spreader event.
Police make arrests as Melbourne protests continue for fifth day
Health Minister Martin Foley said the protester had become “so unwell” after the rally on Wednesday he was admitted to hospital.
Professor Sutton said time would tell if infections explode as a result of the protests.
“Whether or not this is a super-spreader event, we will see a picture of it in a couple of week’s time.”
