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Coronavirus live news: Fauci warns against Trump rallies; health fears in Australia over BLM protests | Coronavirus live news: Fauci warns against Trump rallies; health fears in Australia over BLM protests |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Brazil death toll becomes second highest in world; Dr Anthony Fauci says gatherings are a ‘danger’; Australia’s chief medical officers warns against BLM rallies | Brazil death toll becomes second highest in world; Dr Anthony Fauci says gatherings are a ‘danger’; Australia’s chief medical officers warns against BLM rallies |
Matilda Boseley reports that attendees of Friday night’s Black Lives Matter protests in Sydney say they were left terrified after an officer appeared to flash a hand symbol associated with the white power movement. | |
Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in the Sydney CBD to draw attention to Australia’s record on Indigenous deaths in custody, despite health warnings not to gather due to health risks from Covid-19. Protester Jen Atherton filmed the video after the group was moved out of Hyde park by dozens of police officers and both parties made their way to Town Hall. | |
“It was just really shocking,” Atherton said. | |
The symbol is extremely similar to the “OK” hand gesture but has been used by white power movements in recent years. “You can’t really ever confirm but … I don’t see why he would be saying everything was OK in that moment,” Atherton said. | |
NSW police have denied the gesture was in any way related to the white power movement. “The officer has been spoken to and did not intentionally make a gesture that could be deemed offensive,” a spokeswoman said in a statement. | |
“Further, the officer indicated he was responding to a group of women about the night being ‘OK’ and used a hand symbol as he was wearing a face mask. He did not know the gesture had any other meaning.“The NSW police force works closely to foster a strong and cohesive partnership with Aboriginal communities and other groups and does not appreciate irresponsible inflammatory commentary in this space.” | |
Read the full story here: | |
China reported 11 new Covid-19 cases and seven asymptomatic cases for June 12, the national health authority said on Saturday. The National Health Commission said in a statement that five of the new confirmed patients were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas. The six locally transmitted cases were all in Beijing. The Commission reported seven confirmed cases and one asymptomatic case a day earlier. | China reported 11 new Covid-19 cases and seven asymptomatic cases for June 12, the national health authority said on Saturday. The National Health Commission said in a statement that five of the new confirmed patients were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas. The six locally transmitted cases were all in Beijing. The Commission reported seven confirmed cases and one asymptomatic case a day earlier. |
The total number of Covid-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,075, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. China does not count asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but do not display symptoms, as confirmed cases. | The total number of Covid-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,075, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. China does not count asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but do not display symptoms, as confirmed cases. |
UK prime minister Boris Johnson said last week that removing statues of controversial figures is “to lie about our history”, as he argued that national protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the US had been taken over by extremists. In a lengthy Twitter thread in response to to the boarding up of the Cenotaph in Whitehall and Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square, the prime minister expressed anger at the targeting of monuments, the Guardian reported. | UK prime minister Boris Johnson said last week that removing statues of controversial figures is “to lie about our history”, as he argued that national protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the US had been taken over by extremists. In a lengthy Twitter thread in response to to the boarding up of the Cenotaph in Whitehall and Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square, the prime minister expressed anger at the targeting of monuments, the Guardian reported. |
Well, Australia’s treasurer Josh Frydenberg has now weighed in on Twitter, saying Churchill “saved families and the world from Nazi tyranny”. | Well, Australia’s treasurer Josh Frydenberg has now weighed in on Twitter, saying Churchill “saved families and the world from Nazi tyranny”. |
His comments prompted a swift backlash, with many telling Frydenberg he needed to educate himself on Churchill’s views on racial hierarchies and eugenics. In an opinion piece, Richard Toye wrote for CNN that: “Churchill is often the subject of false or exaggerated allegations. But in truth, he said enough horrifying things that there is no need to invent more. He said that he hated people with ‘slit eyes and pig tails.’ To him, people from India were ‘the beastliest people in the world next to the Germans.’ He admitted that he ‘did not really think that black people were as capable or as efficient as white people’.” | His comments prompted a swift backlash, with many telling Frydenberg he needed to educate himself on Churchill’s views on racial hierarchies and eugenics. In an opinion piece, Richard Toye wrote for CNN that: “Churchill is often the subject of false or exaggerated allegations. But in truth, he said enough horrifying things that there is no need to invent more. He said that he hated people with ‘slit eyes and pig tails.’ To him, people from India were ‘the beastliest people in the world next to the Germans.’ He admitted that he ‘did not really think that black people were as capable or as efficient as white people’.” |
Similar calls to remove statues are occurring during Black Lives Matter and refugee protests in Australia, with rallies to be held throughout the country on Saturday despite Covid-19 health restrictions banning mass gatherings. | Similar calls to remove statues are occurring during Black Lives Matter and refugee protests in Australia, with rallies to be held throughout the country on Saturday despite Covid-19 health restrictions banning mass gatherings. |
In Sydney, Australia, a refugee activist group is planning to flout a Supreme Court ban by holding an “exercise protest” in the city. The Refugee Action Coalition is pushing ahead with the event, planned to take place at Town Hall at 2pm on Saturday, despite the court on Thursday night ruling it a prohibited public assembly. | In Sydney, Australia, a refugee activist group is planning to flout a Supreme Court ban by holding an “exercise protest” in the city. The Refugee Action Coalition is pushing ahead with the event, planned to take place at Town Hall at 2pm on Saturday, despite the court on Thursday night ruling it a prohibited public assembly. |
Organisers say they would still hold the event. However, they are now planning an “exercise protest” to get around regulations. Under public health orders, a gathering of more than 20 people is prohibited in New South Wales, however, public exercise is not. | Organisers say they would still hold the event. However, they are now planning an “exercise protest” to get around regulations. Under public health orders, a gathering of more than 20 people is prohibited in New South Wales, however, public exercise is not. |
“Join an exercise protest by riding your bike, walking or jogging in small groups around the block around Sydney Town Hall,” organisers posted to Facebook. “You can even wear your exercise gear if you like. If people try to stop you and ask if you are part of the protest, you can tell them you are simply exercising, which is not illegal.” | “Join an exercise protest by riding your bike, walking or jogging in small groups around the block around Sydney Town Hall,” organisers posted to Facebook. “You can even wear your exercise gear if you like. If people try to stop you and ask if you are part of the protest, you can tell them you are simply exercising, which is not illegal.” |
NSW Police has warned that anyone attending the protest risks being fined and arrested. A 24-year-old woman was fined $1000 for disobeying a police move-on order during a Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney city on Friday night. | NSW Police has warned that anyone attending the protest risks being fined and arrested. A 24-year-old woman was fined $1000 for disobeying a police move-on order during a Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney city on Friday night. |
New Zealand news service Newshub reports the latest figures from the ministry of health show no new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours. It means New Zealand hasn’t recorded any new cases for 22 days in a row. Following the recovery of an Auckland woman on Monday, New Zealand has no known active cases of Covid-19, and no-one is in hospital with the virus. | New Zealand news service Newshub reports the latest figures from the ministry of health show no new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours. It means New Zealand hasn’t recorded any new cases for 22 days in a row. Following the recovery of an Auckland woman on Monday, New Zealand has no known active cases of Covid-19, and no-one is in hospital with the virus. |
In Australia four new Covid-19 cases have been identified in New South Wales overnight. Of those, two cases are travellers now in hotel quarantine. | In Australia four new Covid-19 cases have been identified in New South Wales overnight. Of those, two cases are travellers now in hotel quarantine. |
The third is a locally acquired case under investigation, a man in his twenties. All close contacts of this case are being contacted. It is understood the man did not attend any recent mass gathering, including protests. Rose Bay Public School in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was closed on Friday due to a staff member with a likely case of Covid-19. The fourth case is the now-confirmed case related to the school. | The third is a locally acquired case under investigation, a man in his twenties. All close contacts of this case are being contacted. It is understood the man did not attend any recent mass gathering, including protests. Rose Bay Public School in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was closed on Friday due to a staff member with a likely case of Covid-19. The fourth case is the now-confirmed case related to the school. |
Meanwhile, one person has tested positive to the virus in Queensland overnight. It brings the total number of active Covid-19 cases in that state to five. | Meanwhile, one person has tested positive to the virus in Queensland overnight. It brings the total number of active Covid-19 cases in that state to five. |
An evangelical church in Argentina reopened as a bar in protest against the lockdown on religious services that remains in place despite the gradual opening up of other activities in this country. | An evangelical church in Argentina reopened as a bar in protest against the lockdown on religious services that remains in place despite the gradual opening up of other activities in this country. |
“We are standing here today dressed like this, carrying a tray, because it seems this is the only way we can serve the word of god,” pastor Daniel Cattaneo, dressed as a waiter, said opening the “worship bar” at the Comunidad Redentor (Redeemer Community) evangelical church in the city of San Lorenzo, in Argentina’s central province of Santa Fe Wednesday. | “We are standing here today dressed like this, carrying a tray, because it seems this is the only way we can serve the word of god,” pastor Daniel Cattaneo, dressed as a waiter, said opening the “worship bar” at the Comunidad Redentor (Redeemer Community) evangelical church in the city of San Lorenzo, in Argentina’s central province of Santa Fe Wednesday. |
“So apart from the breaded veal headed for table four, here goes the word of god from the house of the lord to all nations.” | “So apart from the breaded veal headed for table four, here goes the word of god from the house of the lord to all nations.” |
Bar tables were placed inside the church and pastors dressed up as waiters carried bibles on their trays in a mock service meant to draw attention to the evangelist’s demand that religious services be allowed despite Argentina’s coronavirus lockdown. | Bar tables were placed inside the church and pastors dressed up as waiters carried bibles on their trays in a mock service meant to draw attention to the evangelist’s demand that religious services be allowed despite Argentina’s coronavirus lockdown. |
“We want to exercise our constitutional right to practice our faith,” pastor Cattaneo told local media. “Bars can open, shops can open, why are they discriminating against us?” | “We want to exercise our constitutional right to practice our faith,” pastor Cattaneo told local media. “Bars can open, shops can open, why are they discriminating against us?” |
Although the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in Argentina’s capital city of Buenos Aires and its surrounding Greater Buenos Area the rest of the country remains relatively Covid-free. The province of Santa Fe, where Cattaneo’s church is located, has been especially successful at containing the virus and has started reopening activities, including bars, but churches are still being allowed to receive a maximum 10 people per service. | Although the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in Argentina’s capital city of Buenos Aires and its surrounding Greater Buenos Area the rest of the country remains relatively Covid-free. The province of Santa Fe, where Cattaneo’s church is located, has been especially successful at containing the virus and has started reopening activities, including bars, but churches are still being allowed to receive a maximum 10 people per service. |
Read the full story here: | Read the full story here: |
Australia’s opposition leader Anthony Albanese has told reporters that people should follow the chief medical officer’s health advice and “shouldn’t protest”. | Australia’s opposition leader Anthony Albanese has told reporters that people should follow the chief medical officer’s health advice and “shouldn’t protest”. |
The comments come as police have warned they will be out in force if protesters proceed with a prohibited rally in Sydney’s city on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic. The state’s Supreme Court earlier this week prohibited the “Free the refugees” protest scheduled for Saturday afternoon on the basis the health risks from Covid-19 “outweigh the rights of public assembly and free speech”. | The comments come as police have warned they will be out in force if protesters proceed with a prohibited rally in Sydney’s city on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic. The state’s Supreme Court earlier this week prohibited the “Free the refugees” protest scheduled for Saturday afternoon on the basis the health risks from Covid-19 “outweigh the rights of public assembly and free speech”. |
It comes after more than 600 officers flooded the CBD on Friday night as about 300 people protested against Aboriginal deaths in custody. Further refugee and Black Lives Matter protests are also planned for Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth on Saturday. Melbourne protests will occur in different locations, in groups of 20, to comply with health regulations. | It comes after more than 600 officers flooded the CBD on Friday night as about 300 people protested against Aboriginal deaths in custody. Further refugee and Black Lives Matter protests are also planned for Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth on Saturday. Melbourne protests will occur in different locations, in groups of 20, to comply with health regulations. |
“There are a range of ways that people can express their views,” Albanese said during a press conference on Saturday morning. “They don’t have to gather in mass gatherings, against the health advice. And I’d say to people - you can protest in different ways, you can even put people together so they’re not in the same place. Many Australians have had Zoom meetings. I had one with I don’t know how many hundred people the other day. That would be far better to express opinions over any issue at all. Our democracy is important, so that people can have their say. There are a range of ways you can have your say without breaching the advice of the health experts.” | “There are a range of ways that people can express their views,” Albanese said during a press conference on Saturday morning. “They don’t have to gather in mass gatherings, against the health advice. And I’d say to people - you can protest in different ways, you can even put people together so they’re not in the same place. Many Australians have had Zoom meetings. I had one with I don’t know how many hundred people the other day. That would be far better to express opinions over any issue at all. Our democracy is important, so that people can have their say. There are a range of ways you can have your say without breaching the advice of the health experts.” |
People who do attend protests are being urged to keep their distance from others, wear masks, use hand sanitiser, avoid shouting as this can spread droplets, and to quarantine if they later develop symptoms. Those with health issues and who are elderly are being urged not to attend. | People who do attend protests are being urged to keep their distance from others, wear masks, use hand sanitiser, avoid shouting as this can spread droplets, and to quarantine if they later develop symptoms. Those with health issues and who are elderly are being urged not to attend. |
The mayor of Mexico City said the Mexican capital will next week lift restrictions on car traffic and public transport, and allow 340,000 factory works to get back to work, even though new cases of coronavirus are still rising. | The mayor of Mexico City said the Mexican capital will next week lift restrictions on car traffic and public transport, and allow 340,000 factory works to get back to work, even though new cases of coronavirus are still rising. |
Reuters reports that Mexico City and the adjacent urban sprawl are home to more than 21m people, and the region accounts for more than 40% of some 139,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. On Friday Mexico reported a record of more than 5,000 new cases. | Reuters reports that Mexico City and the adjacent urban sprawl are home to more than 21m people, and the region accounts for more than 40% of some 139,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. On Friday Mexico reported a record of more than 5,000 new cases. |
“We think next week the city can begin a process of very orderly transition,” mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said, noting there had been a slight drop in hospital occupancy rates and that the city’s contagion alert level was close to coming down a notch. Curbs on vehicle traffic and public transport are due to be eased on Monday and factories will start opening on Tuesday under strict sanitary protections, the city government said. | “We think next week the city can begin a process of very orderly transition,” mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said, noting there had been a slight drop in hospital occupancy rates and that the city’s contagion alert level was close to coming down a notch. Curbs on vehicle traffic and public transport are due to be eased on Monday and factories will start opening on Tuesday under strict sanitary protections, the city government said. |
On Thursday, small shops will have permission to reopen, while professional services and scientific workers linked to “industry” can go back as of Friday. | On Thursday, small shops will have permission to reopen, while professional services and scientific workers linked to “industry” can go back as of Friday. |
As US president Donald Trump continues to fearmonger over Twitter about the hundreds of protesters who have occupied several city blocks in Seattle and dubbed them a police-free “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” Seattle’s mayor has responded that “Seattle is fine.” | As US president Donald Trump continues to fearmonger over Twitter about the hundreds of protesters who have occupied several city blocks in Seattle and dubbed them a police-free “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” Seattle’s mayor has responded that “Seattle is fine.” |
The autonomous zone “has both a protest and street fair vibe, with a small garden, medic station, smoking area, and a “No Cop Co-op”, where people can get supplies and food at no cost,” Hallie Golden reported for The Guardian yesterday. One activist said the takeover was reminiscent of the Occupy movement. | The autonomous zone “has both a protest and street fair vibe, with a small garden, medic station, smoking area, and a “No Cop Co-op”, where people can get supplies and food at no cost,” Hallie Golden reported for The Guardian yesterday. One activist said the takeover was reminiscent of the Occupy movement. |
Daily Beast reporter Kelly Weill also noted that claims that local businesses were being harmed by the takeover had been walked back, and that many local business owners were quite supportive of “CHAZ,” although one feared that it might distract attentionfrom the key demands of the Black Lives Matter movement. | Daily Beast reporter Kelly Weill also noted that claims that local businesses were being harmed by the takeover had been walked back, and that many local business owners were quite supportive of “CHAZ,” although one feared that it might distract attentionfrom the key demands of the Black Lives Matter movement. |
The ABC reports that thousands of sheep stranded in Western Australia after the crew of an export ship contracted coronavirus will finally be sent to the Middle East, despite a shipping ban. | The ABC reports that thousands of sheep stranded in Western Australia after the crew of an export ship contracted coronavirus will finally be sent to the Middle East, despite a shipping ban. |
The federal department of agriculture this month refused to grant the export ship Al Kuwait an exemption to travel during the northern summer, to prevent sheep suffering from heat stress. But the ABC reports that the majority of the sheep can now travel on a different ship, which meets animal welfare requirements. It is understood that the ship will sail by Wednesday. | The federal department of agriculture this month refused to grant the export ship Al Kuwait an exemption to travel during the northern summer, to prevent sheep suffering from heat stress. But the ABC reports that the majority of the sheep can now travel on a different ship, which meets animal welfare requirements. It is understood that the ship will sail by Wednesday. |
It follows the Western Australian premier, Mark McGowan, being forced to acknowledge last month that his state’s health department was notified of sick crew members on board the vessel before it docked in Fremantle. | It follows the Western Australian premier, Mark McGowan, being forced to acknowledge last month that his state’s health department was notified of sick crew members on board the vessel before it docked in Fremantle. |
White House infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said his advice to people who want to attend US president Donald Trump’s campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors. He said the gatherings are “a danger” and “risky.” He urged those attending wear a mask and use hand sanitiser. | White House infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said his advice to people who want to attend US president Donald Trump’s campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors. He said the gatherings are “a danger” and “risky.” He urged those attending wear a mask and use hand sanitiser. |
Fauci made the comments during an interview on ABC News podcast Powerhouse Politics. “You know, it’s a danger to the people who are trying to control the demonstration,” he said. “And it’s a danger to the people who are demonstrating. So at the end of the day, it is a risky procedure.” When asked whether his advice applied to Trump campaign rallies, Fauci said “I am consistent. I stick by what I say.” | Fauci made the comments during an interview on ABC News podcast Powerhouse Politics. “You know, it’s a danger to the people who are trying to control the demonstration,” he said. “And it’s a danger to the people who are demonstrating. So at the end of the day, it is a risky procedure.” When asked whether his advice applied to Trump campaign rallies, Fauci said “I am consistent. I stick by what I say.” |
Trump announced his campaign rallies are planned for 19 June, known as Juneteenth in the US, a holiday marking the end of slavery. Trump has insisted he did not choose the date on purpose. “The fact that I’m having a rally on that day - you can really think about that very positively as a celebration,” Trump told Fox News. “Because a rally to me is a celebration. It’s an interesting date. It wasn’t done for that reason, but it’s an interesting date.” | Trump announced his campaign rallies are planned for 19 June, known as Juneteenth in the US, a holiday marking the end of slavery. Trump has insisted he did not choose the date on purpose. “The fact that I’m having a rally on that day - you can really think about that very positively as a celebration,” Trump told Fox News. “Because a rally to me is a celebration. It’s an interesting date. It wasn’t done for that reason, but it’s an interesting date.” |
Good morning, and welcome to today’s live coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. | Good morning, and welcome to today’s live coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. |
As authorities in many countries are still struggling to contain the virus, protests are being held throughout the world following the brutal death of unarmed man George Floyd in the US on 25 May. A police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, ignoring Floyd’s protests of “I can’t breathe”. | As authorities in many countries are still struggling to contain the virus, protests are being held throughout the world following the brutal death of unarmed man George Floyd in the US on 25 May. A police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, ignoring Floyd’s protests of “I can’t breathe”. |
The event sparked organisers from the Black Lives Matter movement to organise protests, which have been occurring throughout the US, Australia and the UK. | The event sparked organisers from the Black Lives Matter movement to organise protests, which have been occurring throughout the US, Australia and the UK. |
US president Donald Trump has since announced he will be holding an election campaign rally on 19 June, known in the US as Juneteenth, one of the oldest official celebrations commemorating the end of slavery. Attendees are being encouraged to sign a liability waiver to acknowledge that by attending, they are at risk of acquiring or spreading Covid-19. | US president Donald Trump has since announced he will be holding an election campaign rally on 19 June, known in the US as Juneteenth, one of the oldest official celebrations commemorating the end of slavery. Attendees are being encouraged to sign a liability waiver to acknowledge that by attending, they are at risk of acquiring or spreading Covid-19. |
Meanwhile, in an interview with Fox news where Trump was asked to address the way chokeholds have been unfairly used by police against African Americans like George Floyd, Trump responded that: “I think the concept of chokeholds sounds so innocent and so perfect”. He added, however that “generally” speaking, chokeholds should not be used. | Meanwhile, in an interview with Fox news where Trump was asked to address the way chokeholds have been unfairly used by police against African Americans like George Floyd, Trump responded that: “I think the concept of chokeholds sounds so innocent and so perfect”. He added, however that “generally” speaking, chokeholds should not be used. |
White house infectious disease expert and member of the White House coronavirus task force, Anthony Fauci, said that attending a protest is “risky”. | White house infectious disease expert and member of the White House coronavirus task force, Anthony Fauci, said that attending a protest is “risky”. |
Black Lives Matter advocates and refugee activists will hold protests throughout Australia on Saturday, despite warnings from health authorities they could lead to Covid-19 outbreaks. Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, said on Friday, “These sort of events really are dangerous”. However the prime minister, Scott Morrison, announced on the same day that major sports stadiums may allow 10,000 people by July. | Black Lives Matter advocates and refugee activists will hold protests throughout Australia on Saturday, despite warnings from health authorities they could lead to Covid-19 outbreaks. Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, said on Friday, “These sort of events really are dangerous”. However the prime minister, Scott Morrison, announced on the same day that major sports stadiums may allow 10,000 people by July. |
Brazil’s death toll has overtaken the UK’s. There have been 41,828 deaths in Brazil, the country’s health ministry said, with only the US having more fatalities. The UK’s death toll is 41,566, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. | Brazil’s death toll has overtaken the UK’s. There have been 41,828 deaths in Brazil, the country’s health ministry said, with only the US having more fatalities. The UK’s death toll is 41,566, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. |
Breastfeeding mothers do not seem to be passing on Covid-19 to their infants, a World Health Organization expert has said. New mothers infected with the virus should generally continue breastfeeding if they wish to and should not be separated from their babies, the WHO said, stressing that the benefits outweighed the risks. | Breastfeeding mothers do not seem to be passing on Covid-19 to their infants, a World Health Organization expert has said. New mothers infected with the virus should generally continue breastfeeding if they wish to and should not be separated from their babies, the WHO said, stressing that the benefits outweighed the risks. |
Black Lives Matter advocates and refugee activists will hold protests throughout Australia on Saturday, despite warnings from health authorities they could lead to Covid-19 outbreaks. Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, said on Friday, “These sort of events really are dangerous”. However the prime minister, Scott Morrison, announced on the same day that major sports stadiums may allow 10,000 people by July.It follows protests last weekend, when people took to the streets campaigning for an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody. There have been 437 known Aboriginal deaths since the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody delivered its final report in 1991, and yet despite this, change has been slow. The protests were sparked in solidarity with the US following the brutal death of unarmed man George Floyd on 25 May. | Black Lives Matter advocates and refugee activists will hold protests throughout Australia on Saturday, despite warnings from health authorities they could lead to Covid-19 outbreaks. Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, said on Friday, “These sort of events really are dangerous”. However the prime minister, Scott Morrison, announced on the same day that major sports stadiums may allow 10,000 people by July.It follows protests last weekend, when people took to the streets campaigning for an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody. There have been 437 known Aboriginal deaths since the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody delivered its final report in 1991, and yet despite this, change has been slow. The protests were sparked in solidarity with the US following the brutal death of unarmed man George Floyd on 25 May. |
One man was diagnosed with the virus following the Melbourne protests, with health authorities saying he was likely infected prior to the rally. Victoria police issued fines of $1652 each to the three people who organised the protest. | One man was diagnosed with the virus following the Melbourne protests, with health authorities saying he was likely infected prior to the rally. Victoria police issued fines of $1652 each to the three people who organised the protest. |
On Saturday, refugee activists plan to hold eight rallies of 20 people each throughout Melbourne in order to comply with restrictions on crowd numbers. In Brisbane, supporters of detained asylum seekers have vowed to ramp up their blockade of a hotel. Protesters claim authorities are intent on relocating asylum seekers who’ve been in long-term detention at the Kangaroo Point Central hotel and have staged a series of balcony protests. | On Saturday, refugee activists plan to hold eight rallies of 20 people each throughout Melbourne in order to comply with restrictions on crowd numbers. In Brisbane, supporters of detained asylum seekers have vowed to ramp up their blockade of a hotel. Protesters claim authorities are intent on relocating asylum seekers who’ve been in long-term detention at the Kangaroo Point Central hotel and have staged a series of balcony protests. |
Meanwhile about 200 refugee supporters will protest the indefinite detention of refugees in Sydney. And thousands of protesters will gather in Perth for Saturday’s protest at Langley Park. Organisers have ignored premier Mark McGowan’s pleas to delay the protest until after the coronavirus pandemic is over. | Meanwhile about 200 refugee supporters will protest the indefinite detention of refugees in Sydney. And thousands of protesters will gather in Perth for Saturday’s protest at Langley Park. Organisers have ignored premier Mark McGowan’s pleas to delay the protest until after the coronavirus pandemic is over. |