A solemn march for Aboriginal justice in Melbourne was violently disrupted on Saturday by a mob of neo-Nazis, plunging the city's streets into chaos and drawing widespread condemnation from political leaders and community groups.
The incident unfolded as approximately 150 activists from the Aboriginal justice group Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) commenced a peaceful rally at Parliament Gardens. Their procession was almost immediately ambushed by a group of 30 to 40 men, their faces concealed by masks and black attire, who performed Nazi salutes and shouted racial slurs.
Chaos and Confrontation on Melbourne's Streets
Video footage from the scene captures the terrifying moment the two groups clashed. The neo-Nazi contingent, some holding a banner that read 'Destroy Paedo Freaks', charged at the marchers, leading to violent physical altercations in the middle of the road. The air was filled with the sound of shouting, scuffling, and the blare of disrupted traffic.
Victoria Police officers swiftly intervened, attempting to form a barrier between the two factions. The situation escalated rapidly, requiring a significant police presence to eventually separate the groups and restore order.
Police Response and Arrests
Law enforcement confirmed that a 25-year-old man from Melton West was arrested at the scene for hindering police efforts. He is expected to be charged on summons. The police investigation into the violent clash is ongoing, with authorities reviewing extensive video evidence to identify other perpetrators.
A police spokeswoman emphasised that the force's priority was to prevent a breach of peace and ensure public safety, a task made exceedingly difficult by the aggressive actions of the far-right group.
Uniform of Hate: Identifying the Extremists
The neo-Nazi group was noted for its coordinated uniform of black face masks, sunglasses, and baseball caps—a common tactic used to conceal identities and project a menacing, unified image. Their use of Nazi symbolism and organised charging tactics points to a premeditated attempt to incite violence and intimidate the Aboriginal activists.
This display of overt extremism has raised serious concerns about the growth and boldness of white supremacist cells in Australia, particularly their willingness to engage in public acts of hatred.
A Nation Reacts: Condemnation and Calls for Action
The event has provoked a furious backlash across the Australian political spectrum. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews took to social media to state unequivocally, 'Nazis are not welcome in Victoria'. His sentiment was echoed by leaders from all major parties, who united in their condemnation of the racist violence.
Community advocates and anti-racism organisations have called for stronger action to combat hate groups, arguing that Saturday's events are a dangerous escalation from online bigotry to physical intimidation and violence.
The shocking confrontation in Melbourne serves as a stark reminder of the persistent social fractures and the rise of extremism, casting a shadow over Australia's commitment to multiculturalism and justice.
