Thousands of people have taken part in anti-lockdown protests in major cities, including Sydney, amid an increase in Covid-19 infections in Australia.
Protesters without masks marched from Victoria Park to Town Hall in Sydney on Saturday, local time. At that time they had placards with ‘Freedom’ and ‘Truth’ written on them.
Local authorities called the protest an “unauthorized protest.” Police members of the law enforcers including riot police were deployed in Sydney to control the protesters.
During the demonstration, several people were arrested in barrier broken and plastic bottles, threw plant saplings, police said.
New South Wales (NSW) police say they are in favor of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. However, anti-lockdown protests have been carried out ignoring hygiene rules.
“The NSW police prioritize the protection of the wider community,” a police statement said.
Protests broke out in the state of New South Wales after a record 163 people were infected with corona in 24 hours.
The lockdown has been going on for the past four weeks in Greater Sydney to rein in the virus. The residents can go out showing logical reasons.
“We live in a democratic state and naturally I am one of those who are in favor of the people’s right to protest, but at the moment we are seeing a transition and many still think there is no problem in going out,” said Brad Hazard, the state’s health minister.
Stephen Jones, a lawmaker from Sydney’s National Assembly, called the protesters “self-centered, reckless idiots.” ♦
