Melbourne is bracing for a possible repeat of the violent protest clashes seen in the city less than two weeks ago with multiple demonstrations planned for the CBD.
Victoria Police is planning a significant operational response, including specialist resources and additional search powers.
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Among the groups expected to rally are members of the National Socialist Network.
An ‘Australia unites against government corruption” rally and an anti-immigration “Save Australia” tally will start simultaneously.
A ‘rally against racism’ and ‘Sovereignty never ceded’ rallies will also take place.
It is expected more officers will be deployed to this weekend’s protests including members from the public order response team, mounted branches and critical incident response team.
Officers are set to monitor Camp Sovereignty after it was attacked by members of the National Socialist Network.
“I can give them the assurance that the safety of Camp Sovereignty is foremost in our mind,” Papworth said.
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Twenty people were arrested or charged after the protest 10 days ago.
They are now not allowed in the CBD as a condition of their bail.
The CBD will be declared a designated area, which will give police extra powers to search people for weapons and ask them to remove face coverings.
This includes Spring Street, Flinders Street, Spencer Street and La Trobe Street.
Despite the expectation things may turn violent, police aren’t warning the general public who aren’t attending the protest to stay away from the city, instead to just plan ahead and expect a heavy police presence.
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