This past weekend in Melbourne, there were multiple protests involving rival groups, including anti-government, immigration reform supporters, and Indigenous and pro-Palestinian activists rallying against racism and fascism.
Overview of Protests in Melbourne
- Around 2,500 protesters from multiple groups gathered in Melbourne's CBD.
- Rival rallies, including "Save Australia/Australia Unites" and "Sovereignty Never Ceded," ran close to each other near Victoria's parliament.
- The Indigenous Sovereignty protest and pro-Palestinian activists clashed with anti-government and anti-immigration groups.
- Police deployed capsicum spray and erected barriers to separate opposing groups.
- Some violent incidents occurred, including clashes near Flinders Street Station and Bourke and Swanston streets.
- Victoria Police employed around 150 officers to keep the peace and manage the crowds.
- The protests were in part a response to prior attacks on Indigenous camps by far-right groups.
Key Groups and Issues
- Indigenous and Palestinian activists protested against racism, fascism, and recent attacks on Indigenous gathering sites.
- Far-right and anti-immigration groups protested government policies and called for immigration reform.
- Tensions were high due to extremist elements present in some groups, with police prepared for potential confrontations.
Police and Public Safety
- Police intervened several times to separate groups and used pepper spray to control crowds.
- Several arrests were made, but no major injuries were reported.
- Authorities expressed concerns about potential violence repeating past incidents like the Camp Sovereignty attack earlier in August.
- Victoria Police had extra powers for searches and controlling face coverings during the protests.
In summary, the weekend saw tense and sometimes violent protests in Melbourne as rival groups with opposing views clashed over immigration, Indigenous rights, and racism issues, with significant police presence to maintain order.
