Police brace for more CBD protests this weekend

Melbourne is set for another tense weekend as police prepare for multiple protests in the CBD, just a fortnight after violent clashes between far-right and counter-protest groups erupted in the city.

Victoria Police confirmed they will mount a significant operation on Saturday, September 13, with four separate groups expected to converge on Spring St and Flinders St from the morning.

Intelligence suggests participants from both far-right and far-left movements are planning to attend, raising concerns of further conflict.

Victoria Police Superintendent Troy Papworth said police were determined to prevent a repeat of the disorder seen on August 31, when opposing groups clashed in the city centre.

That event saw multiple assaults, projectiles thrown at officers, and at least 20 arrests, with several people now subject to bail conditions preventing them from re-entering the CBD.

“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,” Supt Papworth said.

Police said officers were targeted with “extremely hostile behaviour” at the last protests, including being abused, taunted, and doused with liquids. They warned anyone attending this weekend with the intention of fighting, throwing objects, or abusing others could expect to be arrested.

A heavy police presence will be in place on Saturday, including general duties officers and specialist units such as the Public Order Response Team, Critical Incident Response Team, and the Mounted Branch.

The city will also be declared a designated area, giving police additional powers to search people for weapons and direct protestors to remove face coverings.

Thomas Sewell at the protests on August 31. Photo: Jon Fleetwood. 

Police also charged a total of seven people over an attack on Camp Sovereignty in Kings Domain and allege that Thomas Sewell, leader of the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network (NSN) and one of the organisers of the protest, led them.

Mr Sewell has been charged with 25 offences, including violent disorder and affray, and has been refused bail.

At a bail application hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 3, Detective Senior Constable Saer Pascoe said members of the network held down occupants of the camp and began to kick them.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece condemned the violence following the August 31 protests, saying it was out of step with Melbourne’s values.

“The Melbourne I know is a caring, respectful and friendly community – and our diversity is our greatest strength,” he said. “Sadly, that is not the Melbourne we saw today. We saw our streets overrun by violent, angry ratbags – but we’re not going to let them define us as a city.”

“The right to protest never extends to inciting violence or spreading hatred,” Cr Reece added. “We will continue to promote respect and tolerance – and we are taking every action to ensure Melbourne remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Authorities have urged the public to reconsider travelling into the CBD during the protests, with significant traffic disruption expected.