Thousands Protest Across Melbourne, Australia Amid Clashes

Melbourne experienced a large day of protests with thousands participating in four separate demonstrations reflecting a range of causes, including Indigenous sovereignty, anti-racism, pro-Palestine, and anti-government sentiments. Police maintained a strong presence with mounted and riot squads forming barricades to prevent clashes between opposing groups, including far-right and far-left protesters, and used measures such as capsicum spray to manage confrontations. Indigenous activists led calls for unity and condemned neo-Nazi violence, with chants against neo-Nazi presence echoing amid the protests, though no visible neo-Nazi participants were reported. The protests extended across multiple Australian cities with reports of tense standoffs and occasional clashes among rival demonstrators. Melbourne's Lord Mayor Nick Reece expressed frustration over the frequency of protests, describing the city's atmosphere as chaotic and calling for an end to the ongoing unrest. Police have been granted temporary enhanced powers to maintain order through the following day, anticipating further demonstrations.