Anti-Islam, anti-racism protesters clash at violent Melton rallies
- Extremists clash over mosque
- 500 police officers arrest seven protesters
- Riots cost us more than $250,000
- Anger as parents expose kids to violence
- EDITORIAL: Don’t give in to extremists
UPDATE: RECLAIM Australia says there’s a “good reason” why some anti-Islamic protesters wore masks to conceal their identity at the Melton rally yesterday.
John Bolton, spokesman for the far right-wing group, admitted that while some people who wore face masks were “thugs”, he denied the group was out to provoke violence.
Seven people were arrested at the protests, including three detained for carrying knives, as an estimated 1500 people clashed over plans to build a mosque and possible Islamic school in the suburb.
Ringleaders of Reclaim Australia wore homemade Australia flag masks and caps to hide their identity.
Mr Bolton told 3AW that some public servants protesting with Reclaim Australia in other rallies could have lost their jobs if identified.
“They are employed by the public service and it was made clear to them if they became involved in any political rally on behalf of Reclaim (Australia), then their employment would be in jeopardy,” he said today.
Mr Bolton said he had also received death threats through his involvement with the group.
“I’ve been told I will be blown up, I will be shot. I’ve been woken up in the night to a gun shot, I’ve found empty firearm cartridges in my driveway the next morning,” he said.
“So that’s another good reason why people may not want their identity revealed.”
Protesters with far-Left groups also wore masks at the rally.
Assistant Commissioner North West Metro Region Stephen Leane said wearing a face mask suggested protesters had the propensity to do something else.
“We need to work through that on a bigger picture,” he said.
“If you’ve come prepared with weapons or face masks, you shouldn’t be fronting them (the protests).”
A 29-year-old man is also expected to be charged for allegedly punching a police horse, while three people face fines for allegedly possessing weapons, and three for riotous behaviour.
MORE PICTURES: Protesters clash in Melton
Others were left bloody and bruised, or tearful after being capsicum sprayed by police. A week after the Paris attacks by terrorists, 500 people from far-Right groups, including Reclaim Australia, took to the streets of Melton to voice anger about Islam.
They were outnumbered by about 1000 far-Left protesters from groups including the Socialist Alliance and No Room for Racism, some of whom wore hoods and masks like their opponents.
Police appeared to be thrown off-guard early when 50 anti-Islam protesters from the hard line United Patriots Front arrived at the Melton council offices before 9am — despite police expecting them to gather at a nearby park.
The situation led to rival protesters facing off just metres apart later in the morning, but Acting Commander Alan Byrnes said the change didn’t affect police operations.
“We were able to manage the crowd in a more controlled environment rather than having two separate locations,” he said.
But he said officers were disappointed with the behaviour of some protesters and their intentions at the rally, with capsicum spray required twice to control the crowds.
“The first time was near the horses when there was the assault on the horse and the other time was when opposing sides were in a confrontation and a police officer pepper sprayed them to keep them apart.
“You start to wonder about why they’re here and what their intentions are when they’ve got masks on to hide their faces,” Acting Commander Byrnes said.
Farmer John, from United Patriots, spoke to the crowd while it chanted “No Muslims in Melton”, and threatened more violent action.
“We’re going to burn every mosque down if they build them ... Let’s stick it up them,” he said.
Rosaline Crestani, of nationalist group Rise up Australia, also addressed the crowd, and told racists and Nazis to go home.
“But if you’re a true blue Australian who waves our flag with pride then stay here and rally with us,” Ms Crestani said.
“Each and every single one of you are a part of history by standing with us today.”
No Room for Racism organiser Mel Gregson accused police of “using taxpayers’ money to facilitate the rallies of Nazis”.
“Anyone would think the police were actually trying to create violence because they pushed us on to the road so we were surrounded by Reclaim Australia supporters, UPF supporters, Neo-Nazis from all angles,” she said.
“We came here with the intention of holding a peaceful rally, but that’s been really difficult, our people have been very disciplined.”
The Melton rally was part of a national day of action by Reclaim Australia against the “Islamisation of Australia” with rallies held across the country.
Similar clashes in Bendigo and Melbourne earlier this year each cost taxpayers about $250,000 in police resources, however the Melton rally was even larger and more costly.
Premier Daniel Andrews said he did not oppose lawful protests but that some people were overstepping the mark.
“If you are out there peddling hate, you are not a protester, you are just a bigot,” Mr Andrews said.
Tensions rose at one point of the rally when one anti-Islamic protester claimed his side were no better than “Muslims wearing hijabs”.
“We’re just like them if we cover our faces, we’re no better than them terrorists,” the man said.
Hundreds of police separated the warring factions as they traded insults, before both sides set up music speakers.
Reclaim Australia belted out Men at Work’s Down Under, I am Australian and strains of the protest song We Shall Overcome.
John Farnham’s You’re The Voice was sung by supporters of No Room for Racism.
Sporadic fighting broke out in front of police lines during the four-hour long battle.
In the end, it was Reclaim Australia who marched to the park shortly before 2pm.
BY THE NUMBERS
7 people arrested
3 people charged with possessing a weapon
3 people charged for riotous behaviour
1 man charged on summons for allegedly assaulting a police horse
500 police officers in attendance
500 anti-Islam protesters including Reclaim Australia, UPF, True Blue Crew, Patriot Defence League Australia (PDLA), Rise Up Australia Party and Rights For Bendigo Residents
1000 anti-racism activists including No Room For Racism, Freedom Socialist Party, Antifa, CFMEU, Campaign Against Racism And Fascism and Socialist Alternative
