Australia: Several arrested amid anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne October 23 /update 1

Event

Victoria state officials announced that at least 16 people have been arrested on Friday, October 23, amid anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne. Police officials further announced that 96 penalty notices were issued during the demonstration. Media footage of the demonstration shows clashes between police forces and protesters as well as flares being set off and a police van being hit. Participants of the demonstration gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance at 14:00 (local time). Despite the ban on protests and demonstrations under Melbourne's COVID-19 restrictions. The demonstrations came following 100 days of lockdown in Melbourne.

Further demonstrations over the issue are possible in the near term.

Advice

Those in Melbourne are advised to monitor developments, avoid protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.