Key Points
- Police separated the two different rallies in Melbourne’s CBD, initially placing a barrier between protesters.
- Six people were arrested on various charges, including assaulting police and hindering police.
- All six were released pending summons.
The pro-Palestinian protest began at the State Library of Victoria earlier in the day before some supporters relocated to the top of the city.
The pro-Palestinain protest started at the State Library of Victoria. Source: AAP / Con Chronis
The two groups were initially separated by dozens of officers who set up a barrier around the pro-Israeli protest, but police ranks quickly grew as tensions escalated across several hours.
Former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu, state Liberal MP David Southwick and political figure Warren Mundine were among those who attended the rally organised by a “Christian grassroots movement”.
A large crowd of protesters, including some waving Israeli flags, attended a rally outside parliament reportedly organised by a “Christian grassroots movement”. Source: AAP / Con Chronis
A video message from Opposition leader Peter Dutton was played to the crowd. “In the battle against antisemitism in Australia, I say to Australians of Jewish faith, you are not alone,” Dutton said in the message.
“Victoria Police respects the right for people to protest lawfully however we ask that they do so peacefully without impacting the broader community,” the force said in a statement.