Multiple arrests made as thousands of anti-lockdown protesters march through Sydneys CBD
Multiple arrests have been made after protesters amassed in capital cities around Australia to object to lockdowns prompted by COVID-19.
Thousands of angry people, many of whom were unmasked, marched from inner Sydney's Victoria Park to Town Hall in the central business district on Saturday.
They broke through a police barrier to continue down George Street but were stopped at King Street.
There is a heavy police presence in Sydney, including mounted police and riot officers.
Protesters threw plastic bottles and plants taken from the street at officers.
Signs carried by the protesters call for "freedom" and "the truth".
Protesters face off with police near Sydney Town Hall during an anti-lockdown rally at Hyde Park in Sydney.
AAP
In a statement, NSW Police confirmed that "a number of people have been arrested".
"The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however, today’s protest is in breach of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders," the statement said.
The protest comes as COVID-19 case numbers in NSW reached another record high since the first wave in 2020.
Some 163 new local cases were reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday, up from 136 the day before.
Greater Sydney has been locked down for the past four weeks, with residents only able to leave home with a reasonable excuse.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard condemned the planned protest as "really silly" on Saturday morning.
"We live in a democracy and normally I am certainly one who supports people's rights to protest ... but at the present time we've got cases going through the roof and we have people thinking that's OK to get out there and possibly be close to each other at a demonstration."
Protesters march along Broadway and George St towards Sydney Town Hall during the World Wide Rally For Freedom anti-lockdown rally.
AAP
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said it was not the time for a protest.
He said police wanted to work with the organisers to make sure people were complying with public health orders and that it did not turn into a "disastrous" mass spreading event.
At least 1,000 people have also gathered in Melbourne's CBD.
Flares have been lit outside Victoria's Parliament House, where protesters gathered to chant "freedom".
A car rally is also planned for locked-down Adelaide, with police warning they will make arrests over unlawful activity.
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