Amid Victoria’s stage four lockdowns, the organisers behind an anti-mask rally planned for Melbourne’s CBD this weekend have been arrested by police.
Two men have reportedly been arrested following an investigation into the protest, following a Facebook event asking people to march the city streets in breach of the Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton’s directives.
“Let’s blow this one up and fill up the streets to show these criminals we won’t give up our country and livelihoods without a fight,” the event description read. It had more than 100 confirmed attendees and 400 expressions of interest.
According to 9News, a 41-year-old man was charged with incitement and another 41-year-old is expected to be charged with the offence on August 8.
The news site reports the first man was let out on bail and is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in January 2021.
If protestors do turn up Victoria Police say $1652 on-the-spot fines will be handed out.
“This is a completely blatant breach of the Chief Health Officer’s directions and puts Victorian lives at risk,” police said.
While wearing the item has become a political statement in some parts of the world, they are a safety precaution to help protect those around us. Masks are essential in not only protecting the wearer from catching the virus but also preventing it from spreading it to others.
