Thousands gathered in Sydney, chanting ‘freedom’, with smaller protests were held in Melbourne and Brisbane
Anti-lockdown protests and demonstrations are happening in Australian cities as strict curbs have been imposed to tackle Covid cases.
Thousands gathered in Sydney, chanting ‘freedom’, with smaller protests were held in Melbourne and Brisbane.
As many as 57 people have been arrested.
Some 13 million Australians – about half its population – are now back in lockdown. Sydney has now been under lockdown for four weeks, but continues to see cases rise.
The highly contagious Delta variant has completely challenged all strategies of border closures, quarantine programmes and snap. Also, with fewer than 14 per cent of the people have been jabbed.
Some held placards reading “Drop your mask, raise your voice” and “Wake Up Australia.”
While one group threw bottles at mounted officers, the agitators gathered outside Sydney’s town hall.
“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however, the protest is in breach of the current Covid-19 Public Health Orders,” said a statement from the Force.
Some 13 million Australians – about half its population – are now back in lockdown. Sydney has now been under lockdown for four weeks, but continues to see rise in cases .
NSW officials announced a record increase of 163 new infections on Saturday.
State Halth Minister Brad Hazzard and premier Gladys Berejiklian called for other states to send extra vaccine doses to NSW.
“If it gets worse here in New South Wales, it could actually create massive problems for the whole country,” Hazzard reportedly said.
“New South Wales is the gateway to the rest of Australia.”
The country has overall recorded 32,594 cases and 916 deaths.