Hundreds take part in anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne, 235 arrested
Hundreds of Australians have taken part in anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne, Victoria, with police arresting many protesters.
About 1,000 protesters, many of whom were not wearing masks, gathered at around 12pm on Saturday in the suburb of Richmond.
Some 2,000 police officers were deployed at road checkpoints and barricades, and on roving patrols, to try to stop the demonstration going ahead in breach of public health orders.
Police surrounded the protesters on Bridge Road and arrested 235 people there. Hundreds marched in the center of the road chanting “No more lockdown.”
Police say 10 officers were injured throughout the day, with six taken to hospital with injuries after bottles and stones were thrown at them.
Images showed some demonstrators being chased by police and held by officers.
The protest was part of a coordinated day of demonstrations against lockdowns, with similar rallies being held in Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Byron Bay.
Victoria reported a record number of 535 Covid-19 cases and one death. The latest case count released on Saturday is the highest daily number so far in the latest outbreak and came from 61,622 tests in the latest 24-hour period.
It is illegal for more than five fully vaccinated people to gather in public, or two unvaccinated people. People must stay within 10 kilometres of their homes for exercise or recreation.
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