Police hunt more protesters over attack on officers

Many of the alleged criminals wore masks covering their faces at the protest.

Last year, Prime Minister Jacinta Allan promised to ban face masks and balaclavas at protests. But the proposal, tabled in parliament on Wednesday, has been watered down due to court challenges and potential opposition from Labor supporters.

Last week, a 24-year-old Corio man was charged with multiple crimes, including assaulting a police officer and throwing a missile, after allegedly throwing rocks at a police officer. The man will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 20.

Both police officers injured during the protest returned to work. The female sergeant, in her 40s, will need ongoing rehabilitation to regain mobility after being kicked by protesters. A male senior police officer required stitches for a cut on his leg.

Responding to allegations of police violence, counter-protester representatives said it was police officers who injured protesters while facilitating a “racist, hateful demonstration” by anti-immigrant protesters.

Marta Pascual with Juanola

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