There have been ugly scenes as protesters camping out in Canberra faced off against police on Wednesday, with three people arrested.
ACT Policing released a statement saying that they had attended Patrick White lawns, near the National Library of Australia, about 4pm to advise the large group they were camping illegally and could be fined if they stayed.
Footage shared to social media showed things soon kicked off and the crowd became extremely hostile when they saw a woman being restrained.
“One woman assaulted police and was subsequently arrested and charged with assault police,” a spokesman said.
“Two men interfered in the arrest of the woman and they were arrested and will be charged with obstructing police.”
People could be heard screaming “Why are you doing that to her? She’s an old lady,” in the vision, as dozens of police stood in a circle to protect the other officers.
The crowd, who all held up their phones filming, continually chanted “let her go”.
They then started screaming “you serve us” as police retreated in a group walking backwards.
“How does it feel to be run by a corporation overseas?” someone could be heard yelling.
Later in the vision a man could be seen being restrained by police on the ground. He had blood on his head.
Police stood around him as the crowd continued to chant and film.
Paramedics treated two people at the scene for minor injuries and nobody needed to be taken to hospital.
“The rights of people to peacefully protest is always acknowledged by ACT Policing, however when illegal actions take place, the people responsible will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” a spokesman said.
Earlier, when the large number of police arrived at the scene, a woman screamed at them: “Why are you protecting paedophiles?”
The Millions March Against Mandatory Vaccination’s Convoy to Canberra event began on Monday.
People have been voicing their objection to mandatory vaccinations and Covid restrictions but one attendee said there was a diverse list of reasons they were there.
One man, who would only identify himself as Lance to media, had voiced his fury at Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing $1bn over nine years for ground and watexjmtzywr programs for the Great Barrier Reef.
He also spoke about paedophile conspiracies.
It is believed that the protesters are planning to remain in Canberra until at least Tuesday when parliament will sit.
Roads around Parliament House continue to be blocked off due to the presence of the protesters in the ACT.
On Monday they surrounded police cars chanting the slogan “you serve us” over and over again as trucks and cars arrived.
On Tuesday they surrounded the National Press Club where the Prime Minister gave his first major speech of the year.
