A group of women in Melbourne were injured and a police officer in Sydney was allegedly assaulted following anti-immigration marches in Australia. The National Socialist Network, a neo-Nazi group, attacked a First Nations protest site in Melbourne’s Kings Domain, according to video footage. The footage showed at least 50 men, mostly clad in black, approaching the site as the sun was setting. The men attacked letters spelling out the camp’s name and violently swung sticks and poles at camp activists.
Camp Sovereignty and the Black Peoples Union confirmed that the group appeared at the site and alleged that the men acted unprovoked and targeted women, grabbing them, throwing them to the ground, and striking them in the head. Four people required medical attention, and two were taken to the hospital with severe head injuries. All of the injured individuals were described as younger women of color. The attackers allegedly yelled slogans such as “white power” and “white man’s land,” as well as sexist and racist slurs.
A primary school teacher who did not want to be identified alleged that a young boy ripped her hair, threw her to the ground, and punched her face with a smile on his face. The camp believed it was targeted specifically during community gatherings and ceremonies.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed that crime investigation unit detectives were investigating an affray at Southbank. It was known that a second group formed a line in front of the first group and assaulted members with sticks and flag poles.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, two people were charged after a brawl erupted in a hotel and a police officer was allegedly assaulted. The men were later arrested and charged with affray, assaulting a police officer, and hindering or resisting a police officer.
The incidents occurred after neo-Nazis led marches and addressed crowds at anti-immigration rallies in state and territory capitals across Australia. The rallies drew significant crowds and resulted in tense and violent confrontations with anti-fascist counter-protesters in Melbourne. Six people were arrested at the rallies.
The rallies were condemned as hateful by the federal government, but some politicians attended. Victoria Police Minister Anthony Carbines stated that people who attend such rallies need to be called out and condemned for their associations. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll emphasized that immigration is the state’s “secret sauce” and migrants should be celebrated.
