Photographer who was capsicum sprayed by police at rally says he ‘felt targeted’

A photographer who was capsicum sprayed by police during the anti-lockdown protest yesterday say he “felt targeted”.

The Age photographer Luis Ascui was pepper sprayed by police at yesterday’s rally.

He’s been hit with capsicum spray before, but he says this time was different.

“I felt targeted,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“It usually happens when you’re amongst the protesters … but to have a go at you … they really didn’t have any regard for us.

“We’re not there for fun. We’re there for work. What is the point of them giving us accreditation if they’re not going to respect us?”

Mr Ascui says he’ll lodge a complaint with police.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police has told The Age the incident has been referred to the Professional Standards Command for investigation.

Press PLAY below to hear Mr Ascui’s account of the incident

Image: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Photographer who was capsicum sprayed by police at rally says he ‘felt targeted’