July 24, 17:08

Foreground

Covid: protest against lockdown in Sydney, clashes and arrests

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Anti-lockdown protest in Sydney, Australia © ANSA / EPA

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Anti-lockdown protest in Sydney, Australia © ANSA / EPA

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Anti-lockdown protest in Sydney, Australia © ANSA / EPA

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 24 - Thousands of anti-lockdown protesters took to the streets today in the two largest Australian cities, with several arrested in Sydney after violent clashes with the police. A group charged officers with horses by throwing jars and bottles during a protest against restrictions in Sydney, while in Melbourne, local media reported that thousands of protesters flocked to the streets after they gathered in front of the state parliament in the early afternoon. Maskless protesters violated non-essential travel rules and public gatherings the day after authorities suggested the restrictions could remain in effect until October. Sydney police said they launched a "high visibility police operation"in response to the protest.

   "So far during the operation, a number of people have been arrested," the police said.

The organizers had called the protest a manifestation of "freedom" and advertised it on social media pages, often used to spread disinformation about vaccines and theories of conspiracy.

Participants carried billboards with various slogans including "Wake Up Australia".

   After surviving much of the first pandemic unscathed, around half of the 25 million Australians are now in solitary confinement in several cities, and there is growing anger over restrictions and against the government accused of inability to provide adequate vaccine supplies.

Only 11% of the population is fully vaccinated.

(HANDLE).

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