Civilians assaulted, flags burned as violence erupts here in Australia

Violence has erupted in Melbourne’s CBD after rival rallies involving more than 150 anti-racism and anti-immigration activists where several people were arrested and an Australian flag was burned, reports ABC News.

Anti-racist protesters assaulted a man in the Carlton Gardens following the rallies outside State Parliament on Spring Street.

More than 100 anti-racism activists had earlier gathered at the steps of Parliament, chanting lines including “No hate, no fear, fascists are not welcome here”.

Further down Spring Street, up to 60 anti-immigration activists marched in a rally organisers said was to “celebrate” the Australian flag.

Despite the large number of police including officers in riot gear and on horseback which tried to separate them, some anti-racist protesters still managed to splinter off .

Police were able to surround and cordon off the anti-immigration group at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and escort some of the protesters to buses.

The clashes came as Victorian Police Minister Lisa Neville announced new police powers and higher penalties to deal with protesters covering their faces with masks.

“Victorians have had enough of seeing this sort of incitement of hatred and violence,” she said.

“It does send a message that if you wear a facemask, you will be removed from a protest. If you wear a facemask and commit an offence, you will go to jail for longer.”

Ms Neville said the new laws would be introduced later this year.

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