Scores of Victorians responded with fury to Thursday’s “circuit breaker” lockdown, flocking to Melbourne’s central meeting point to call for an end to “unlawful” restrictions.
‘Reignite Democracy Australia’ protesters met at Flinders St Station on Thursday night to “take a stand for freedom”.
“Victoria is angry. Lockdowns will not be tolerated,” a Facebook post from the group said.
“We will not accept the constant threat of lockdowns at a cost to our businesses, our incomes and our lives.”
Angry Melburnians carried placards with messages including: “we do not consent to government tyranny”.
Extraordinary photos showed the huge throng of people in the CBD, despite the entire state being just hours away from a strict fourth lockdown.
The protesters were free to express their views on the streets until the new rules began at 11.59pm.
One protester held up a sign saying “no to the new abnormal, no to forced vaccines, no to being traced and contacted, no to unlawful lockdowns.”
Protesters later marched towards state parliament.
A number of speakers also addressed the crowd before lockdown was enforced at midnight.
Lockdown measures came into force overnight meaning Victorians can only leave their home for five reasons including to seek medical care or purchase essential items.
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