Vocal protesters and police are out in force as more anti-racist and anti-Islamist rallies get underway nationwide, after violence erupted at protests rallies in Melbourne yesterday.
In Sydney’s Martin Place scuffles between Reclaim Australia protesters and anti-racism protesters have been reported despite a heavy police presence including specialist officers.
One man was arrested before the protests over the alleged assault of police, while a group of demonstrators were forcibly removed by police to an area further down in Martin Place which was agreed to by rally organisers.
Police said they had worked with rally organisers to ensure the protests were conducted safely but that officers would respond swiftly to violent or disruptive behaviour.
Reclaim Australia called supporters to gather for what organisers have described as “a public response to the shock of recent atrocities of Islam’s radicals both inside and outside of Australia”.
Hundreds were also expected to protest against bigotry, xenophobia and Islamophobia.
“We will not tolerate any criminal, anti-social or dangerous behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke said in a statement.
“If you choose to do the wrong thing you’ll be removed and dealt with appropriately.
“The same goes for anyone who attempts to cause disharmony or incite conflict with those who may hold opposing views.”
The Sydney rallies are among a number being held in cities across Australia today including Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Perth.
In Queensland, a Reclaim Australia rally in Mackay is to be addressed by federal Coalition MP George Christensen, while former federal MP Pauline Hanson made an appearance in Rockhampton.
Ms Hanson told the crowd she was “against the spread of Islam” and that Australia was changing and that she did not like it.
Violent clashes in Melbourne yesterday saw hundreds of police called in and officers used capsicum spray to subdue the crowds.
Bottles were thrown and protesters from both sides were punched and kicked as they clashed.
In Adelaide there were tense scenes as Reclaim Australia and anti-racism demonstrators converged at Parliament House..
Organisers of today’s Rally Against Racism in Perth say they want to challenge Reclaim Australia without resorting to violence.
“We’re not going there with any intention of being violent in any way, we are actually there to challenge the violence, the ideological violence of the people in Reclaim Australia,” organiser Miranda Wood said.
“Hate speech is not welcome and we will be there to challenge it.”
source:abc.net.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 