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Dozens Of People Arrested In Melbourne During Anti-Lockdown Protest

Dozens Of People Arrested In Melbourne During Anti-Lockdown Protest

Police formed a ring around protestors and capsicum spray was deployed when projectiles started being thrown

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Arrests have been made in Melbourne after hundreds took to the streets to protest against lockdown restrictions in the city.

Despite restrictions easing in Victoria's capital, there is still unrest among some people, among claims that their freedoms have been limited.

There was a heavy police presence and officers in some areas formed a ring around the protestors to keep them contained. According to The Australian, dozens of people have been arrested.

Police warned people that they were allowed to come together, but only if they kept to the rules.

"Everyone has a right to protest peacefully, as long as it is in accordance with the chief health officer directions and does not impact the rest of the community, who also have the right to go about their daily business," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

"Anyone coming into the city in blatant breach of the directions, or looking to disrupt others, create conflict and incite violence can expect a very firm response from police.

"The chief health officer directions are very clear for the need to avoid groups of more than 10 gathering in public places across metropolitan Melbourne to prevent the spread of coronavirus."

Things turned ugly when authorities and demonstrators got too close together and protestors were reported to have started throwing projectiles at police. As a result, capsicum spray was deployed.

Photos from the event show people running in all different directions to avoid getting the liquid in their eyes or on their skin.

News Corp reports that while restrictions have been rolled back a bit, many of the protestors gathered today to say they 'will not forget' Melbourne's 112-day lockdown.

Organisers told the news outlet: "We will keep fighting (until) Daniel Andrews is gone. Daniel Andrews presided over the worst response to the pandemic of any state leader by an extraordinary margin.

"We will not forget. Of all the Australian states and territories, Victoria endured the harshest and longest lockdowns."

Featured Image Credit: Laura Turner/Twitter

Topics: News, Australia