At least three people have been detained by police and others have been told to move on during a peaceful COVID-19 anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne.
Some walkers on the shores of the city's Yarra River on Saturday stopped and displayed signs, including"I am just exercising my human rights".
Social media organisers of the so-called Freedom Walk suggested there might be similar actions in other locations.An anti-lockdown rally was held at the Shrine of Remembrance last weekend resulting in 17 arrests and more than 160 fines being issued for breaching health directions.Premier Daniel Andrews pleaded with people not to take part in further protests.Police arrested 43-year-old Tony Pecora on Thursday who is an alleged key organiser of anti-lockdown agitation.
He quoted Midnight Oil, telling police if someone contracted coronavirus at one of his events"it would be better to die on your feet than live on your knees".Under his bail conditions he cannot use social media or contact co-organisers. Metropolitan Melbourne residents are subject to Stage 4 restrictions and must comply with a curfew between the hours of 8pm and 5am. During the curfew, people in Melbourne can only leave their house for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons.
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