Thousands of peaceful protesters have descended upon Melbourne’s CBD to protest against the ongoing lockdowns which could be dragged out until 2022.
Bourke St Mall pic.twitter.com/HOhzYWJedu
— Joshua (The Jules) #74 (@endtyrrany2021) August 21, 2021
Bourke Street was absolutely packed.
Thousands of protesters in Melbourne. @theage pic.twitter.com/wgaYUyDZgW
— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) August 21, 2021
As evident, the crowd was huge, peaceful and happy.
More than a thousand anti lockdown protestors are marching through Melbourne streets, with flares being set off as the crowd chants “freedom”. Details: https://t.co/OMW24jThT0 pic.twitter.com/Y46iFhcyGx
— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) August 21, 2021
Although it was a lot, lot more than 1000.
However, things turned violent when a heavily armed police trap was sprung at the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street. Heavily armed police carrying submachineguns and rifles awaited protesters.
Victoria Police with submachineguns. pic.twitter.com/0hxDmyJxGM
— XYZ (@itsyourxyz) August 21, 2021
Outside the iconic Young and Jackson Hotel, police fired rubber bullets at protesters.
#BREAKING: Police fire rubber bullets and pepper spray into a large crowd of lockdown protesters in Melbourne.
Full story coming exclusively to https://t.co/EaIX3zkB2M from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Rebel report from the prison island. pic.twitter.com/lwHKVWwtIy
— Avi Yemini 🇦🇺🇮🇱 (@OzraeliAvi) August 21, 2021
Protester says “You wouldn’t do that” moments before Victoria police fire on peaceful protesters. #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/gpijjsUoJy
— XYZ (@itsyourxyz) August 21, 2021
Here a Victoria Police Officer gees up his men before they assault protesters.
“Let’s go c***s.” Victoria Police, moments before firing rubber bullets on peaceful protesters. #Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/RRj3Wxwd5P
— XYZ (@itsyourxyz) August 21, 2021
Victoria Police have also singled out and brutalised individual protesters.
Victoria Police are up to their usual tricks in Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/hAdw24osF3
— XYZ (@itsyourxyz) August 21, 2021
Thrillingly, protesters were able to break police lines.
Peaceful protesters break police lines in #Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/laragQz1NB
— XYZ (@itsyourxyz) August 21, 2021
By all accounts the peaceful protesters’ numbers continue to swell.
Here is a livestream from Neil Erikson on the day’s shenanigans:
The XYZ will continue to provide updates throughout the day.
UPDATE: Freedom protesters appear to have broken police lines outside State Parliament.
Australians have had ENOUGH!!!! pic.twitter.com/2dz32fmOve
— Sana Ayesha (@sanaayesha__) August 21, 2021
CONFIRMED: Protesters did indeed break police lines outside State Parliament, however they ran in completely the wrong direction.
One might suggest that the protesters are running in the wrong direction. pic.twitter.com/fmEqpppjZL
— XYZ (@itsyourxyz) August 21, 2021
IMMORTALISED: How good is the guy with the Eureka flag.
And Ryan Fletcher has obliged:
UPDATE: Here is aerial footage of the initial clash at Flinders Street Station.
Australia Few Hours ago; Anti-lockdown protests, protesters clashed with police outside Flinders Street Station in Melbourne. Police trying to block protesters by pepper-spraying them, rubber bullets were reportedly fired by the police . pic.twitter.com/znqSFjqnYw
— @KassMedefer (@KMedefer) August 21, 2021
