Police have arrested four people after heated clashes broke out between officers and protesters who converged on Melbourne’s CBD to counter a rally on Saturday morning, reports ABC. Footage from Russell Street showed a group of people dressed in black, their faces covered, confronting police in a tense standoff. Authorities believe the group was connected to a counter-protest against a rally organised by Women’s Voices Australia, called Women Will Speak, which was held on Spring Street outside Victoria’s Parliament. Police confirmed that officers deployed OC spray, carried out around 145 sea

Police have arrested four people after heated clashes broke out between officers and protesters who converged on Melbourne’s CBD to counter a rally on Saturday morning, reports ABC. Footage from Russell Street showed a group of people dressed in black, their faces covered, confronting police in a tense standoff. Authorities believe the group was connected to a counter-protest against a rally organised by Women’s Voices Australia, called Women Will Speak, which was held on Spring Street outside Victoria’s Parliament. Police confirmed that officers deployed OC spray, carried out around 145 searches, and directed numerous people to remove face coverings. They estimated that about 120 people took part in the Women Will Speak rally, while around 80 counter-protesters gathered nearby. The arrests included a 21-year-old man from Flemington who allegedly struck a police officer with an umbrella. A 19-year-old woman from Wallington and a 27-year-old man from Coburg were arrested after allegedly being found in possession of flares. A 33-year-old man from Oakleigh South was arrested for failing to comply with a move-on order. Three police officers were injured during the confrontations, though none required hospital treatment. In the lead-up to the rally, Jasmine Sussex, representing Women’s Voices Australia, announced on Facebook that the group would call on the state government to “stop conflating sex and gender identity in policy and law.” On its Instagram page, the organisation describes itself as dedicated to “maintaining and strengthening women’s and girls’ sex-based rights.” Counter-protest materials circulated online indicated support for transgender rights and urged demonstrators to disrupt the Women’s Voices Australia event. Trans Queer Solidarity, a social media account, encouraged supporters to gather before the rally, wear masks, and conceal identifying features. “Be ungovernable,” one flyer read. Police had erected barricades along Spring Street to keep the two groups apart. A small contingent of counter-protesters waved transgender flags, beat drums, clapped, and blew whistles. While most refrained from confronting officers or rally participants directly, there was at least one reported scuffle involving a member of the media. Authorities had been aware of potential risks to journalists. On Friday, Victoria Police issued a warning to media outlets about online posts that encouraged protesters to interfere with coverage, including damaging cameras. Outlets were urged to review their security measures. Melbourne’s CBD was declared a designated area for the day, granting police extended powers to conduct random searches and require people to remove masks, scarves, and outer clothing.

A little more informed. A little more connected.