Police have warned that anyone entering the Melbourne CBD intending to fight instead of protesting on Saturday will be swiftly dealt with by officers.
Four separate groups, including those who hold far-right and opposing views, will converge on the city on Saturday only a few blocks away from each other.
A police spokesman said the force had intelligence which suggested some of the groups were seeking conflict and confrontation, similar to what occurred on August 31 at the “March for Australia” rally when opposing protesters clashed.
Superintendent Troy Papworth said taunting police and attacking people based on their race was “gutless”, and those seeking violence on Saturday would be arrested.
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“Everyone has a right to protest, but like the rest of our community, police are completely sick of people using protesting as a veiled excuse to punch on,” he said.
“If you are coming into the CBD on Saturday with the intention of fighting, throwing objects or abusing others, you can expect to spend some time in a police cell.”
The entirety of the Melbourne’s CBD – as well as Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens – has been declared a designated area. This means officers can randomly stop and search anyone or their vehicle in the area, without a warrant or reasonable grounds. People who refuse to take off their face masks by police can be asked to leave.
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