Thousands of protesters have joined forces to angrily air concerns about Covid vaccines and government lockdowns at a series of rallies across Australia.
Held as part of what was described as a “worldwide rally for freedom”, protests took place in Australia’s capital cities and regional centres including Newcastle, Cairns, Broome andxjmtzyw Mt Gambier on Saturday.
The Melbourne event attracted the biggest crowd, with more than 5000 people walking from Parliament House, through the CBD to Carlton Gardens.
Signs with slogans such as “my body my choice”, “save our children”, “free Victoria”, “fake news”, “be fab stop the jab” and “unvaxxed sperm is the next bitcoin” dominated the streetscape as traffic came to a standstill.
In a video posted to social media protesters chided onlookers who were wearing masks, yelling “take off your mask”.
Outside Victoria Police headquarters, protesters chanted “you serve us” as a line of police stared them down.
In Sydney, an estimated 2000 protesters gathered at Strathfield train station and walked to Burwood Park where numerous speakers, including controversial United Australia Party leader Craig Kelly, addressed the audience.
Police were out in force at the rallies, however spokeswomen from Victoria and NSW Police said no arrests had been made on Saturday afternoon.
Officers continued to maintain a presence as crowds dispersed.
