Anti-mining protest turns ‘nasty’: Police horse assaulted and more than 40 protesters arrested
Police on horses were this morning used to drive back protesters as delegates try to enter the International Mining and Resources Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
More than 40 protesters have been arrested by police after gathering early today outside the centre for the second day of the conference.
Two protesters were arrested in relation to animal cruelty offences after assaulting a police horse at the protest this morning, while most others were arrested for failing to obey police direction or intentionally obstructing emergency service workers.
“Things are really starting to kick-off and get quite nasty,” Channel Seven reporter Nathan Templeton told Ross and John from the scene.
Getting nasty here with climate protesters and police clashing outside Jeff’s shed. Mounted officers now trying to split up the pack. pic.twitter.com/ngYwfYSDlR
— Nathan Templeton (@nathantemp7) October 28, 2019
Four police officers were injured during the protest, with three taken to hospital with minor injuries.
A female protester has been taken to hospital in a stable condition after allegedly being injured by a police horse.
Paramedics treating one protester at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Surprised there aren’t more patients given the violence seen out the front. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/PcHvCiPtGO
— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) October 28, 2019
3AW reporter Pat Mitchell said the protesters are targeting conference attendees when they arrive, and police are having to intervene to help the conference goers enter the building.
“They’re taunting them, trying to get at them and trying to prevent them from coming in,” he told Ross and John.
Protesters shoved by police trying to escort mining industry conference attendees. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/P9VO0Z2CbX
— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) October 28, 2019
Click PLAY to hear Nathan Templeton’s full cross to 3AW Breakfast.
Protesters also lashed out a right-wing commentator, Avi Yemeni, who says he attended the protests as a member of the media.
The blockade outside the Melbourne Convention And Exhibition Centre for IMARC getting ugly. @OzraeliAvi told to move on by Police. Says he was particularly insulted by being labelled a “nazi” by climate change activists. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/lNDHYJQCbB
— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) October 28, 2019
Some rogue groups linked to the demonstration have threatened to cause traffic disruptions in the city later today.
Eleven groups are involved in the protests, including Extinction Rebellion, the group which shutdown the city in a series of climate protests earlier this month.