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She dismissed demands from the opposition to implement protest permits similar to those in New South Wales, which necessitate rally organizers notifying police of demonstrations a week in advance.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan attributed the outbreak of violence to what she described as a “very small number” of counter-protesters.
The Premier maintained her stance that Melbourne’s central business district remains safe, reiterating comments she made earlier this month after a woman was stabbed during her morning commute.
According to police, individuals from the counter-protest, named “United Against Racism: Migrants and Refugees Are Welcome,” were “desperately” attempting to engage with the opposing group.
One woman was charged over the ugly clashes in Melbourne. Source: AAP / SOPA Images / Gemma Hubeek
Superintendent Wayne Cheeseman said officers were pelted with large rocks, glass bottles and spoiled fruit as protesters tried to break through police barricades.
“They were peaceful, they were engaging, they listened to our instructions,” he said.
Police said anti-immigration protesters were well-behaved and listened to instructions. Source: Getty / Jesse Thompson
A female sergeant suffered a serious hand injury, and a male senior constable received a serious cut to his leg after they were both struck by a glass bottle.
“The only people yesterday who didn’t have their human rights protected was the police … no-one in Australia takes these people seriously, they are living in absolute fantasy land.”
‘Had a gutful’
“The fact is rocks being thrown at police, bottles filled with shards of glass were being thrown at police. Bins were put on fire, flags were on fire and I think enough is enough.”
Victoria Police superintendent Wayne Cheeseman said police were pelted with rocks and shards of glass. Source: Supplied / Victoria Police
Cheeseman made no apologies for police having to use force to separate and disperse crowds.
“Police do not attend protests with the aim of using force, but it is always in response to the actions of protesters, whether it be violence between different groups, or towards officers,” he said.
Organisers accuse police of violence
“We condemn the violent acts of Victoria Police,” rally organiser Yasmin said in a statement.
Anti-racist protesters condemned the tactics used by police to control protesters. Source: Getty / Jesse Thompson
“We are appalled by the comments of police commander Wayne Cheeseman, who praised the far-right hate march,” Yasmin said.
“Police denied thousands the right to protest, while facilitating the racist, hateful demonstration March for Australia, exercising white sovereignty to defend a white Australia ideology.”
