Source: ABCnews
Victorian police arrested dozens of anti-lockdown protesters in Melbourne’s CBD last night.
Officers appeared to outnumber a handful of protesters who came into the city’s centre to protest hours after Premier Daniel Andrews announced a seven-day extension to the city’s lockdown.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told ABC Radio Melbourne around 400 officers were sent to the CBD, where they encountered around 90 protesters.
He said 73 people were arrested for offences associated with the protest and for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions.
“Police had a highly visible presence in the CBD and were pleased that the majority of Victorians did the right thing and stayed home,” police said in a statement this morning.
“Police will not hesitate to issue infringement notices for those who deliberately and blatantly breach the Chief Health Officer directions.”
Last week, Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius warned serial protesters were organising the demonstrations in a bid to “pick a fight with police”.
The senior officer warned frustrated business owners and families against being drawn out onto the street by “people who are more interesting in punching on with police than helping the community deal with a deadly virus”.
Police said 69 people would be charged or issued with fines over health direction breaches.
There was one arrest for offensive language and three people were arrested on outstanding warrants.
Five traffic fines were also issued.
