| Rival protesters clash during counter-rallies in Australia |
Violent clashes have erupted during counter-rallies held across Australia by anti-racism activists and a rival group of demonstrators, calling themselves nationalists.
On Saturday, supporters of anti-Islam and anti-immigration groups Reclaim Australia and the United Patriots Front (UPF) held demonstrations in several cities across the country.
The gatherings turned violent after they were met by massive counter-protests staged by thousands of anti-racism demonstrators, who carried banners reading, “No Room for Racism.”
According to authorities, the biggest clash happened in the southern coastal city of Melbourne, where more than 50 supporters of Reclaim Australia joined some 200 right-wing supporters of the United Patriots Front to demand a stop to the growth of Islam in Australia.
However, the small group was outnumbered by around 4,000 anti-racist, pro-immigration and leftist demonstrators representing Rally Against Racism and United Against Islamophobia.
Bottles were thrown in the streets, and protesters from both sides were punched and kicked during the clashes.
About 800 police members charged at the protesters and used pepper spray in a bid to stop the fighting.
“It’s regrettable that there’s a fringe element that wants to undermine this multicultural harmony,” acting leader of Victorian Greens party Nina Springle told reporters.
She said that Reclaim Australia, one of the racist groups at the rally in Melbourne, was a small group trying to stir up fears of Muslims.
Victoria State’s deputy premier, James Merlino, also said police would not tolerate violent protests, insisting that there was “no place in Victoria [state] for spreading hatred or bigotry.”
Police said at least four people were arrested for violence-related offenses, including attacks on police officers.
Merlino also said a small number of people resorted to violence, while the vast majority of protesters were peaceful.
More confrontations could happen Sunday. Reclaim Australia is set to hold more demonstrations in Sydney, Brisbane and several other Australian cities.
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