Violent scenes have broken out at a women’s rights rally in Melbourne’s CBD, as pro-transgender counter protestors clashed with frontline police and other activists.
Pro-transgender activists had turned up to counter a #WomenWillSpeak rally, held by the Women’s Action Group.
But scenes turned ugly when pro-trans supporters attempted to push through a police line, which resulted in officers tackling at least two protestors on the ground before deploying pepper spray.
A Herald Sun photographer was injured after he was pushed to the ground and pepper sprayed during the scuffle. Other media were shoved by members of Victoria Police.
Tony Gough, who was photographing the rally, sustained cuts to his face and legs and had his jeans ripped in the incident.
Women’s Action Group co-founder Michelle Uriarau, who was speaking at the #WomenWillSpeak rally, said the action was designed to highlight their concerns about women’s rights and gender-transitioning medicine.
Ms Uriarau claimed members of her movement had received death and rape threats.
“Wherever we speak publicly, there is always an attempt to silence us,” she said.
Source: Violence erupts, activists pepper sprayed at Melb protest