UPDATE: Two police officers have been hospitalized following violent clashes between anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters in Melbourne’s CBD. The confrontation erupted on Sunday as opposing crowds gathered, leading to widespread chaos and injuries.
Hundreds of police were deployed to control the situation, but both sides engaged in aggressive behavior, with rocks, glass, and rotten fruit hurled at officers. A female sergeant is being treated for a suspected broken hand, while a male constable suffered a non-life-threatening cut to his leg. Three additional officers were struck by projectiles but did not require hospitalization.
Commander Wayne Cheeseman reported that demonstrators threw bluestone rocks, reminiscent of those found on railway tracks, alongside hazardous items like glass-filled bottles. “Some of them are professional protesters who certainly don’t come to protest,” Cheeseman stated. He noted that about 1,000 protesters gathered, including approximately 50 hardcore protesters known to police, and warned that more arrests could follow as identities are confirmed.
The rally was marked by extreme tensions, with riot police deploying flash bangs and rubber bullets in attempts to maintain order. Despite a barricade on Bourke Street, sporadic violence broke out, and officers were seen treating injuries caused by police crowd-control measures. The situation escalated further as eggs and glass containers were thrown at police lines, with officers forced to use capsicum spray to regain control.
At the heart of the protests was the March for Australia rally, where racist slogans were chanted, and Australian flags were set ablaze by counter-protesters advocating for pro-immigration policies. The anti-immigration camp included known associates of the National Socialist Network (NSN), a prominent neo-Nazi group, which has faced scrutiny for orchestrating such rallies nationwide.
Witnesses described a scene of pandemonium as the two factions faced off. The counter-protest, organized by First Nations activists, saw participants chanting “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here” while marching towards the State Library. The rally’s atmosphere shifted dramatically when anti-immigration organizers blamed immigration for rising crime rates, provoking counter-chants of “no Nazis ever again.”
The Melbourne protests come on the heels of a similar rally on August 31, 2023, which also saw violent clashes. This time, the March for Australia protests, held across multiple cities including Sydney, Canberra, and Brisbane, have drawn heightened attention due to the involvement of far-right factions. Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi condemned the rising tide of white supremacy during the rally, stating, “The far right is organized, violent, and on the march.”
As the day progressed, police continued to struggle to separate the groups, with additional officers in riot gear being summoned. By 2 PM, tensions peaked when a breakaway group of counter-protesters confronted anti-immigration demonstrators, leading to further skirmishes.
The situation remains under close watch as authorities work to stabilize the area and assess the aftermath of this volatile confrontation. As investigations unfold, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
For ongoing updates and coverage on this developing story, stay tuned.
