Protesters amass in Australia denouncing vaccine rules
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Sydney: After protests amassed against Covid-19 vaccine mandates in several countries worldwide, Australia saw thousands gather in the capital city, Canberra, and hold marches publically denouncing the rules, Agence France-Presse reported.
Protesters amassed before the Australian Parliament and waved the country's red ensign flag of "sovereign citizens", indicating national law do not apply to them. The masses, including children, flew banners that read "Fight for Your Freedom & Rights", "Free Aus Freedom Now", or "No forced drugs".
Police informed that it had estimated nearly 10,000 as the protesters' strength, and they were behaving fine. But three people got arrested, one for driving a truck through a roadblock and the other two for breaching the peace.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison requested the protesters to maintain peace. He said that he understands the protesters' concerns and added that it is not the federal government, but the state is responsible for some vaccine mandates.
He further said that Australia is a free country, and every citizen has the right to protest. Those who raise their protests are speaking up for what they stand for.
According to Australian authorities, 94 per cent of its people aged above 16 had got at least the first two doses of vaccines. Vaccination is voluntary here, but it is made mandatory for those arriving from outside the country and people who does a range of professions who are considered to be at risk. The latter includes those who care for older people. Meanwhile, some states have relaxed the requirement of vaccine proofs to enter pubs, restaurants etc.
Protests and mass demonstrations against vaccine mandates have happened earlier in New Zealand and Canada. The police force in the former had arrested 122 people and used pepper spray to contain fights on Thursday. In Canada, the protest of truckers, "freedom convoy", had jammed a bridge linking the country with the US, violating a judge's order.
Similar protests were happening in Paris, too, against vaccination rules.
