Australia: Police fire pepper spray and arrest hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters in Melbourne November 3

Event

Police in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) in Victoria State arrested over 400 anti-lockdown demonstrators on Tuesday, November 3. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at around 13:30 (local time) in Melbourne's CBD area and near the Parliament House against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown measures. Police fired pepper spray at protesters in attempts to disperse them. Scuffles were reported between police and protesters and at least one police officer was injured. Victoria Police reported that 404 protesters had been arrested and 395 penalty notices were issued for infringements to COVID-19 measures imposed, including not wearing face masks, breaching public gathering regulations, and breaching the 25km (16 miles) travel zone requirements.

Further associated demonstrations are possible in Melbourne in the near term. Associated disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of future protests.

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.