Premier Jacinta Allan Condemns 'Nazi' Protest in Melbourne CBD

More than 100 men, dressed in black and carrying Australian flags, marched through the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) early on Saturday morning. Premier Jacinta Allan has described the group as 'Nazis,' vowing that such behavior will not be tolerated in Victoria.

The protest, which police referred to as a 'pop-up event,' took place around 12:40 a.m. in Bourke Street Mall. A TikTok video shared by a participant shows the masked group walking in unison, carrying placards and chanting. The group was eventually dispersed just before 1:30 a.m. at Flagstaff Gardens after police intervention.

In a statement, Premier Allan said: 'Nazis don’t belong in this country and they know it. That’s why they hide behind masks in the dark.' She emphasized that the government is taking strong action to address such behavior, with new anti-vilification laws set to come into effect next month. These laws will give police greater powers, including the ability to unmask individuals at protests who engage in antisocial or illegal activities.

During the protest, an altercation reportedly occurred when a 26-year-old man confronted the group. He was allegedly assaulted and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police confirmed that no arrests were made, but they maintained a strong presence throughout the event.

The Victorian Opposition Leader, Brad Battin, condemned the protest as 'appalling' and called on the government to restore public safety and order. He stated that such behavior is 'incompatible with the values of an inclusive, tolerant, and multicultural state.'

Victoria Police reiterated that while the right to protest is protected, antisemitic, racist, or hate-based behavior has no place in society. They urged the public to report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers.

Premier Allan concluded by stating: 'We’re not afraid of these goons — but we won’t tolerate them, either.'

The incident has sparked a broader debate about public safety, the enforcement of hate laws, and the balance between free speech and social cohesion in modern Australia.