UPDATE: Violence erupts in Melbourne’s CBD as anti-immigration protests clash with counter-demonstrators, leaving two police officers hospitalized and a 30-year-old woman arrested. This escalating situation unfolded on Sunday, October 15, 2023, as hundreds of protesters took to the streets, prompting a significant police presence.
The chaotic scene involved protesters throwing rocks, glass, and even rotten fruit at law enforcement, with Commander Wayne Cheeseman reporting that over 1,000 demonstrators turned out for the rallies. Of those, only about 50 were identified as hardcore protesters, many of whom are known to police as prior offenders.
The violence reached a peak when a female sergeant sustained a suspected broken hand, while a male constable suffered a non-life-threatening leg injury. Additional officers were hit by projectiles, with some protective shields being damaged in the fracas. Cheeseman condemned the actions of the protesters, stating, “Some of them are professional protesters who certainly don’t come to protest. They come to fight.”
As tensions escalated, riot police deployed flash bangs and rubber bullets to keep the factions apart. Medics treated numerous individuals for injuries linked to the confrontations, including those reportedly caused by police tactics. The situation remained tense as police attempted to maintain order amid chaos.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that chants of “no Nazis ever again” resonated from the counter-protesters, while anti-immigration demonstrators shouted back inflammatory slogans. The protests, organized under the banner of “March for Australia,” have previously been linked to the controversial National Socialist Network (NSN), with key figures like Matt Trihey at the forefront. Trihey’s speeches fueled further animosity and highlighted the growing divide within the protests.
The rallies attracted attention not only for their violent outbursts but also for the ideological clash they represent. The pro-immigration counter-protest, led by First Nations groups, echoed calls for unity against hate, chanting “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here.” A speaker at the counter-protest emphasized the importance of standing against divisive ideologies, urging attendees to fight for universal human rights.
Despite police efforts to keep the groups separate, clashes broke out sporadically, including a tense moment at 2:15 PM when counter-protesters confronted a small group of anti-immigration supporters, resulting in a brief physical altercation. Police reinforcements arrived quickly, but no arrests were made during this confrontation.
This latest protest in Melbourne adds to a series of clashes that have erupted in recent months, with previous rallies also resulting in violence and arrests. The anti-immigration movement, characterized by a mix of far-right elements and mainstream conservative voices, continues to face criticism for its connections to extremist groups.
As investigations into the identities of the protesters unfold, authorities indicate that additional arrests may be forthcoming. The situation remains fluid, with police on high alert as community tensions persist.
Next steps: Watch for updates as law enforcement assesses the events and seeks to prevent further violence in the ongoing struggle over immigration policy in Australia. The aftermath of these protests is likely to spark renewed discussions about hate speech and community safety in the coming days.
