Victoria police say they intend to use temporary cameras to ensure public safety during planned demonstrations over the weekend.
A “freedom rally” protesting vaccine cards is planned for the legislature lawn Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m.
VicPD often deploys temporary CCTV cameras to monitor large, planned protests. The cameras are placed temporarily in public places in accordance with provincial and federal privacy legislation, VicPD says. They’ll be taken down shortly after demonstrations wrap up.
Protests against vaccines and vaccine cards have been held in Victoria and across the country in recent weeks, including outside hospitals. About 150 people gathered on Belleville Street outside the legislature Monday to show their opposition to the pandemic response. Some oppose the vaccine cards that rolled out this week, while others question all information that comes from the government about COVID-19.
Police say recent demonstrations have seen assaults and property damage, and events are planned this weekend at the legislature and surrounding areas. Officers arrested a man for assault after a person was doused with hot liquid at Monday’s protest. The victim declined medical treatment.
