Six arrested over Melton anti-Islam rally violence

• published: 22 Nov 2015
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Multiple people have been arrested today as anti-Islam and anti-racism protesters faced off in simultaneous protests held across the country. In Melbourne's western suburbs, six people were arrested, including one accused of punching a police horse. The 29-year-old accused of attacking the horse was subdued with capsicum spray. IN PICTURES: Pro and anti-Islam protesters clash with police in Melton Police said five others were arrested or fined for riotous behaviour and weapons offences. Authorities believe the conviction of Reclaim Australia member Phillip Galea may have deterred others from coming armed. November 22, 2015: Members of Reclaim Australia and anti-racism groups have clashed in protests at Melton in Melbourne’s west. At least 300 people from Reclaim Australia and the United Patriots Front met at the Melton Civic Centre carrying signs saying "integrate or immigrate". The groups were angry over the planned construction of a mosque and Islamic school in Melton. Many protesters from both sides covered their faces with fabric or Australian flags to protect their identity. Reclaim Australia are protesting against a proposed Mosque and are holding protests around the country in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. (AAP) Reclaim Australia are protesting against a proposed Mosque and are holding protests around the country in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. (AAP) Protesters clash with police horses. One man was arrested for allegedly punching a horse. (AAP) Protesters clash with police horses. One man was arrested for allegedly punching a horse. (AAP) Anti-racism group No Room For Racism held their own rally nearby, chanting "Muslims are welcome, racists aren't". The counter-rally was not without its own dramas, with a number of No Room For Racism protesters subdued by police with capsicum spray. Premier Daniel Andrews said he supported people's right to protest, but not the spreading of hate. Anti-racism groups in a war of words with Reclaim Australia protesters. (AAP) Anti-racism groups in a war of words with Reclaim Australia protesters. (AAP) "The only form of legitimate protest is peaceful protest," he said. "And if you're out there pedalling hate, you're not a protester, you're just a bigot." Attorney-General Martin Pakula echoed the Premier's sentiment by tweeting that members of Reclaim Australia were "cowards, mugs and bigots". READ MORE: Police outnumber protesters at Reclaim Australia rally in Sydney In Sydney, protesters clashed at Martin Place where once again opposing groups held rival rallies. "We just want our successful Australian way of life retained, that's not racist that's just plain sensible," Reclaim Australia spokeswoman Claire Smith said. Police made an effort to keep opposing groups at bay, separating them by three blocks. In Brisbane, counter-protesters claimed victory against Reclaim Australia when around 250 supporters left the CBD. Reclaim speakers were constantly drowned out by the much larger counter-protest of around 350, with chants like "Nazi scum off our streets" and "Muslims are welcome, racists are not". Reclaim Australia organisers tried to drown them out by playing Cold Chisel's Khe Sanh, however anti-racism protesters countered with John Farnham's You're The Voice. A 64-year-old man was arrested after jumping the barricade between the two groups. He is expected to face Brisbane Magistrates' Court within weeks on a public nuisance charge. Brisbane event organiser Mike Holt insisted Reclaim Australia represented the majority of Australians, particularly after the Paris terrorist attacks. "We represent the mainstream Australians, we're just ordinary mums and dads," he said. "I've got two young daughters, I certainly don't want them having to wear a burqa." Social Alternative's Rebecca Barrigos said she and people like her felt it was their duty to speak out against racism. "We will continue to be loud because we have a message to make today that racism isn't acceptable and we're going to take a stand wherever racism and fascists raise their heads," she said. In the ACT, rival rallies on the lawns outside Parliament House in Canberra ended peacefully with no arrests. In Perth, the soaring heat has not deterred hundreds of rowdy demonstrators from both sides attending at rallies near parliament. With a strong police presence, protesters behaved while trying to drown each other out with music and chants.