Melbourne Braces for Weekend Protests Amid Fears of Clashes
Melbourne is gearing up for another tense weekend as four separate protests are planned in the central business district, and police are preparing for potential clashes between rival activist groups. This comes after violent confrontations erupted nearly two weeks ago during an anti-immigration rally, when far-right demonstrators attacked Camp Sovereignty, a sacred First Nations site.
Authorities have made it clear that a significant police presence will be deployed across the CBD. Specialist units, including the public order response team, will be on duty, and officers have been granted powers to search individuals for weapons and to direct protesters to remove face coverings. The designated area for these powers stretches from Flinders Street to Spencer Street, covering the main hub of Melbourne’s CBD.
The protests scheduled for Saturday include the “Rally Against Racism,” starting near Flinders Street Station at 11 a.m., supporting migrants and condemning the attack on Camp Sovereignty. At the same time, another rally, “Sovereignty Never Ceded,” will take place nearby, also calling attention to racism and the recent assault on Indigenous land. Later in the morning, the “Australia Unites Against Government Corruption” rally and the anti-immigration “Save Australia” march are set to begin simultaneously outside Parliament House on Spring Street.
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Victoria Police have expressed concern that some attendees may be looking for confrontation. Superintendent Troy Papworth emphasized that two weeks ago, some demonstrators were seen wearing motocross armor, clearly prepared for violence. “We’ve had enough of people using protest as an excuse to commit violence against each other,” he said, warning that anyone behaving violently will face arrest.
The protection of Camp Sovereignty is being prioritized. After the attack last month, seven men, including Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell, were charged over the assault, and 20 people involved in the clashes have been banned from the CBD. Police are aware that others from extremist groups may attempt to step into leadership roles and attend the protests.
Despite the tensions, Indigenous activists remain determined to stand their ground. Uncle Robbie Thorpe, a leader at Camp Sovereignty, expressed confidence that the site will remain safe, noting the solidarity shown by communities nationwide and internationally. Around 3,500 people attended a recent support event, which included a concert and fundraising efforts, highlighting the widespread backing for First Nations voices.
Organizers of the protests emphasize that the rallies are led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, aiming to reject racism and anti-immigration rhetoric. Paul Silva from Blak Caucus stressed that the demonstrations will remain grounded in Indigenous leadership, encouraging participation from all parts of the community.
In short, Melbourne’s streets are set for a day of high tension, with authorities on high alert and community groups mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard safely. The coming weekend will be closely watched, as both public safety and the expression of political and cultural concerns intersect in the heart of the city.
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