Australian police arrest 10 anti-lockdown protesters

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Police have arrested 10 people at a protest against lockdown restrictions in the Australian state of Victoria.

About 150 people flouted social-distancing rules to hold a demonstration outside the state parliament in Melbourne on Sunday.

Police the protesters could be fined up to AU$1,600 (US$1,045; £843) for breaching the restrictions.

Australia is gradually easing its nationwide lockdown measures as part of a plan to move to a “Covid-safe economy” by July.

But Victoria has delayed relaxing restrictions after an outbreak linked to a slaughterhouse in Melbourne led to a spike in new cases.

Sunday’s protest was similar to those seen in the US, Brazil and other countries, where people have been taking to the streets in defiance of social-distancing measures.