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Coronavirus Conspiracy Theorists Are Planning Protests Around Australia This Weekend

Coronavirus Conspiracy Theorists Are Planning Protests Around Australia This Weekend

The call to arms asks Australians to 'burn your mask, breathe and declare your national sovereignty​'.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Coronavirus conspiracy theorists are planning to gather around Australia to protest against lockdown rules that have been introduced in Victoria.

News Corp says a Facebook page with more than 33,000 members have been posting a call to arms for people to gather at Anzac memorials in capital cities across the country on Saturday.

The main message is to 'stand for Victoria' and 'get together for every single Victorian'.

But the goal isn't to wish them well as the state grapples with a devastating second wave of coronavirus cases. It's to protest against the rules and restrictions implemented specifically to prevent more people from getting sick.

PA

People aren't allowed to travel 5kms outside their home, can only exercise once a day, only one person in the household can do the shopping, and there's a curfew between 8pm and 5am.

While health authorities are doing everything they can to stop the virus from spreading through Australia's second-most populated city, it seems people elsewhere think the rules are too strong.

A video posted to the Facebook page, which has been viewed more than 80,000 times, called for Australians to turn up on Saturday and 'burn your mask, breathe and declare your national sovereignty'.

It didn't end well the last time a rally similar to this was held in Victoria.

Last week, two alleged organisers of an anti-lockdown protest were arrested before the event could even take place.

The 'Freedom Day Celebration' was scheduled to take place on the steps of state parliament and more than 400 people indicated they would attend.

PA

The event was centred on protesting against the mandatory face covering rule.

A 41-year-old man from Mooroolbark ended up being charged with incitement; he was bailed and is due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 21 January 2021. Another 41-year-old man, from Chirnside Park was also arrested, but was released with intent to summons.

Victoria Police indicated they have a zero tolerance policy towards people caught breaking the Victorian Chief Health Officer's directions.

Police said in a statement: "This selfish behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated. Be assured Victoria Police will be responding and will take appropriate action.

"There will be a highly visible presence in and around the city to ensure the community is complying with stage four restrictions.

"We will have no hesitation in issuing $1,652 fines or making arrests on the day, if necessary. Police are also making enquiries into the organisers of this event and we will be holding them to account."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Australia