02:52Australia: Thousands rally in Melbourne against govt COVID-19 vaccine mandates
Thousands of protesters marched in Melbourne on Saturday against the vaccine mandates and the government responses to COVID-19.
Along the route, protesters were close to the John Cain Arena, where the Australian Open is currently taking place.
Massive police presence, including mounted police units, were at the location, watching over the demonstrators.
"We have been forced to do things we didn't want to do. Many of us have been assaulted, and some of us have even ended up in jail, for what? Speaking up for freedom. Well, I think that I speak on behalf of every single person here today when I say that 2022 is the year that we save Australia", said a speaker at the rally.
The harsh COVID-19 policy enforced by the government of Scott Morrison ultimately led to the recent expulsion of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic due to his lack of vaccination. The opposition to the vaccines has been strong across the country. Nonetheless, there were also counter-demonstrations in Melbourne, as there is a high degree of polarisation on the topic.
02:52Thousands of protesters marched in Melbourne on Saturday against the vaccine mandates and the government responses to COVID-19.
Along the route, protesters were close to the John Cain Arena, where the Australian Open is currently taking place.
Massive police presence, including mounted police units, were at the location, watching over the demonstrators.
"We have been forced to do things we didn't want to do. Many of us have been assaulted, and some of us have even ended up in jail, for what? Speaking up for freedom. Well, I think that I speak on behalf of every single person here today when I say that 2022 is the year that we save Australia", said a speaker at the rally.
The harsh COVID-19 policy enforced by the government of Scott Morrison ultimately led to the recent expulsion of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic due to his lack of vaccination. The opposition to the vaccines has been strong across the country. Nonetheless, there were also counter-demonstrations in Melbourne, as there is a high degree of polarisation on the topic.