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Opinion Split On How Police Dealt With Melbourne Anti-Mining Protest

Opinion Split On How Police Dealt With Melbourne Anti-Mining Protest

Four officers were injured and two police horses were allegedly attacked while 47 protestors were arrested.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Dozens of protestors were arrested in Melbourne yesterday after hordes of people flocked to disrupt the International Mining and Resources Conference.

According to 7News.com.au, 47 demonstrators were led away during the dramatic protest. The event has divided the nation on how the people involved in the rally as well as the police reacted.

Four officers were injured and two police horses were allegedly attacked when people involved in the demonstration tried to block people from getting into the conference. Conversely, video footage showing officers swarm peaceful protestors and threaten to use batons has drawn scorn from others.

The Police Association Victoria Chief Executive Wayne Gatt told Sunrise that what he saw yesterday can only be described as disgusting.

"Our members can't be paid enough to have to put up with the abuse and rubbish we saw yesterday from these protesters," he said.

"If they want to make a point, that's fine, but targeting Police and innocent Australians just shouldn't happen."

"We had a member with a dislocated shoulder, two members with minor injuries, more members with scratches, bruises and lacerations as result of these tussles."

Mr Gatt rejected claims from viewers that the officers used 'heavy-handed' tactics to bring the protest to an end.

"All I saw yesterday in the footage I watched were innocent Australians being dragged to the ground, spat on, abused and taunted by people seemingly without a cause."

"If people want a public protest, Police are more than happy to facilitate that. We shouldn't expect our police to facilitate violent or unruly protest behaviour at all."

But others who watched the event unfold weren't impressed.

One video shows a man with a megaphone be swarmed by officers and moved out of the area so that the protest couldn't continue.

A viewer on Reddit wrote: "That must have been terrifying for that guy, not to mention the kettled protesters. Can you imagine going to a protest to do right by your country because you actually care only to be treated like that?"

Another added: "The police have lost all credibility, and should have zero public sympathy. Protesters are perfectly within their (ethical, not legal) rights to defend themselves from fascist cops."

Another shocking video showed one officer pull out a baton to threaten protestors, causing one woman to be understandably terrified.

A viewer of the video wrote: "The police violence was frightening to see tbh. Mounted police breaking up the picket line, capsicum spray and batons. Everyone there was pretty shocked."

More demonstrations are expected to erupt later today as the conference continues.

Featured Image Credit: Twitter

Topics: News, Australia